As the horizontal temperature gradient strengthens in the troposphere, what happens to pressure gradient and wind speed at 30,000 ft?

As the horizontal temperature gradient strengthens in the troposphere, what happens to pressure gradient and wind speed at 30,000 ft?

• A. Both decrease
• B. Both increase
• C. Pressure gradient decreases while wind speed increases
• D. Pressure gradient increases while wind speed decreases

Answer: (B)

When the horizontal temperature gradient in the troposphere strengthens, it has a direct impact on both the pressure gradient and wind speed. A stronger temperature gradient typically leads to a situation where colder air is located next to warmer air, causing increased air density differences. This, in turn, enhances the pressure gradient because pressure tends to decrease more rapidly with elevation in areas of high temperature gradient. As the pressure gradient increases, the force acting on the air masses causes a corresponding increase in wind speed. The relationship between pressure gradients and wind speed is described by the geostrophic wind balance, where faster winds are associated with sharper pressure gradients. Thus, both the pressure gradient and wind speed at 30,000 feet rise as the horizontal temperature gradient strengthens.

When the horizontal temperature gradient in the troposphere strengthens, it has a direct impact on both the pressure gradient and wind speed. A stronger temperature gradient typically leads to a situation where colder air is located next to warmer air, causing increased air density differences. This, in turn, enhances the pressure gradient because pressure tends to decrease more rapidly with elevation in areas of high temperature gradient.

As the pressure gradient increases, the force acting on the air masses causes a corresponding increase in wind speed. The relationship between pressure gradients and wind speed is described by the geostrophic wind balance, where faster winds are associated with sharper pressure gradients. Thus, both the pressure gradient and wind speed at 30,000 feet rise as the horizontal temperature gradient strengthens.