Author Question: What is hydrostatic equilibrium, how is it affected by density, and what are its implications for ... (Read 95 times)

laurencescou · **on:** Jul 14, 2018

What is hydrostatic equilibrium, how is it affected by density, and what are its implications for air movement?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the Coriolis force? What are its important properties? How does it affect the movement of objects?

What will be an ideal response?

mjenn52 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 14, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Hydrostatic equilibrium: When the gravitational force exactly equals the vertical pressure gradient force in magnitude, no vertical acceleration occurs. When the gravitational force slightly exceeds the vertical pressure gradient force, downward motions result. Such downward motions are always very slow. On the other hand, the upward-directed pressure gradient force sometimes greatly exceeds the gravitational force, and updrafts in excess of 160 km/hr (100 mph) can develop. Such updrafts are associated with powerful thunderstorms.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: The Coriolis force is caused by the earth's rotation and has an impact on anything that moves in any direction, including the wind. The magnitude of the Coriolis force increases with latitude and also with wind speed.