Unlike winds aloft, which blow nearly parallel to the isobars, ...

[Lobcity]

Unlike winds aloft, which blow nearly parallel to the isobars, surface winds generally cross the isobars. Explain what causes this difference.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

An air mass from the Gulf of Mexico is called:
 
  A) mT. B) cT. C) mP. D) cP.

[vish98]

Answer to Question 1

Friction acts to slow air movement and, as a consequence, alters wind direction. Above the friction layer, the pressuregradient force and Coriolis effect work together to direct the flow of air. Under these conditions, the pressuregradient force causes air to start moving across the isobars. Eventually, the Coriolis effect will balance the pressuregradient force, and the wind will blow parallel to the isobarsthese are upper-air winds (geostrophic winds).

Answer to Question 2

A