Chapter 6, Problem 1GST

(a)

To determine

The airflow around each of these pressure cells.

Answer to Problem 1GST

The air flow around Figure (a) is clockwise and (b) is counter-clockwise.

Explanation of Solution

Gradient winds are the winds that blow at a constant speed parallel to curve isobars. The circulation of air in low pressure systems, such as midlatitude cyclones, is cyclonic flow. It is counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. Centers of high pressure, known as anticyclones, display anticyclonic flow. The flow of air is clockwise in the Northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.

Friction has a major role in the identification of the airflow direction near the surface of the Earth. The result is the movement of air at an angle across the isobars and toward the low pressure area. The resulting winds blow into and counter-clockwise around a Northern hemisphere surface cyclone. The blow of wind occurred outward and clockwise in a Northern Hemisphere surface cyclone.

(b)

To determine

The pressure system that is located in the Northern Hemisphere.

Answer to Problem 1GST

The pressure system that is located in the Northern Hemisphere is Figure (b).

Explanation of Solution

Gradient winds are the winds that blow at a constant speed parallel to curve isobars. The circulation of air in low pressure systems, such as midlatitude cyclones, is cyclonic flow. It is counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. Centers of high pressure, known as anticyclones, display anticyclonic flow. The flow of air is clockwise in the Northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.

Friction has a major role in the identification of the airflow direction near the surface of the Earth. The result is the movement of air at an angle across the isobars and toward the low pressure area. The resulting winds blow into and counter-clockwise around a Northern hemisphere surface cyclone. The blow of wind occurs outward and clockwise in a Northern Hemisphere surface cyclone.

(c)

To determine

The tropical cyclone among these pressure systems.

Answer to Problem 1GST

The tropical cyclone is Figure (b).

Explanation of Solution

Tropical cyclone is a system of low pressure occurring in tropical latitudes. A small area of low atmospheric pressure developed due to the differential heating over land and sea.