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Which of the following forces affect the velocity and direction of Wind?
  1. Pressure gradient force
  2. Frictional force
  3. Gravitational force
  4. Coriolis force
Select the correct answer code:
  • a)
    1, 2, 3 
  • b)
    1, 3, 4 
  • c)
    2, 3, 4 
  • d)
    1, 2, 3, 4
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following forces affect the velocity and direction of Win...
Explanation:
The velocity and direction of wind are affected by several forces. The forces that affect the velocity and direction of wind are as follows:

1. Pressure gradient force:
The pressure gradient force is the force that drives air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. It is responsible for the horizontal movement of air and creates wind. The greater the difference in pressure over a given distance, the stronger the pressure gradient force and the stronger the wind.

2. Frictional force:
The frictional force acts in the opposite direction to the motion of the wind and tends to slow it down. This force is particularly significant near the Earth's surface, where the roughness of the terrain causes the air to slow down as it moves across the surface. The frictional force affects the wind speed and direction by reducing the wind speed and causing it to veer to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

3. Gravitational force:
The gravitational force does not directly affect the velocity and direction of wind. However, it does affect the vertical motion of air. The force of gravity causes air to be more dense near the surface and less dense at higher altitudes. This density difference can cause vertical motions in the atmosphere, which can in turn affect the horizontal movement of air and wind patterns.

4. Coriolis force:
The Coriolis force is an apparent force that is due to the rotation of the Earth. It causes moving objects, including air, to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. The Coriolis force affects the direction of wind, causing it to rotate around high and low-pressure systems. It is responsible for the formation of large-scale wind patterns, such as the trade winds and the prevailing westerlies.

Therefore, all four forces - the pressure gradient force, frictional force, gravitational force, and Coriolis force - affect the velocity and direction of wind. Thus, the correct answer is option 'D'.
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Community Answer
Which of the following forces affect the velocity and direction of Win...
Forces Affecting the Velocity and Direction of Wind:
  • The air is set in motion due to the differences in atmospheric pressure. The air in motion is called wind. The wind blows from high pressure to low pressure. The wind at the surface experiences friction. In addition, rotation of the earth also affects the wind movement. The force exerted by the rotation of the earth is known as the Coriolis force.
  • Thus, the horizontal winds near the earth surface respond to the combined effect of three forces – the pressure gradient force, the frictional force and the Coriolis force. In addition, the gravitational force acts downward.
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Which of the following forces affect the velocity and direction of Wind? Pressure gradient force Frictional force Gravitational force Coriolis forceSelect the correct answer code:a)1, 2, 3b)1, 3, 4c)2, 3, 4d)1, 2, 3, 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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