What does a steep barometric gradient...

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c51a1cd

What does a steep barometric gradient indicate?

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Question 1 of 27070

Q

What does a steep barometric gradient indicate?

🔍 Key Concepts

• Relationship between barometric pressure gradients and wind strength • How tight spacing of isobars on a weather map relates to wind speed • Difference between wind strength and precipitation or calm conditions

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to air movement when the pressure changes very quickly over a short distance versus very slowly. • When you look at a surface pressure chart, what does it usually look like in areas with gales compared to areas with light breezes? • Are precipitation and calm conditions directly caused by the steepness of the pressure gradient, or are they related to other factors?

✅ Before You Answer

• Recall that a steep (or strong) pressure gradient means a large change in pressure over a small distance. • Remember that wind blows from high to low pressure and that the pressure gradient force is what drives the wind. • Before choosing, rule out options that describe conditions you would expect where isobars are widely spaced rather than tightly packed.