Author Question: Briefly describe the friction layer and how it affects wind speeds.[br][br][b][color=black]Question ... (Read 63 times)

Mr.Thesaxman · **on:** Jul 13, 2018

Briefly describe the friction layer and how it affects wind speeds.

Question 2

When the flow of air is purely geostrophic, how can the wind speed be described and how is this represented on an isobaric map?

gstein359 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 13, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The atmospheric layer that is influenced by friction is called the friction layer and extends from the ground upwards to approximately 1000 m in the air (but this altitude can vary depending on strong winds and rough terrain). The frictional drag of the ground slows wind down. Because the effect of friction decreases as we move away from Earth's surface, wind speeds tend to increase with height above ground.

Answer to Question 2

When air flow is purely geostrophic, the wind speed is constant and the isobars, or contour lines, on a map are straight and evenly spaced.