Question

Describe the relationship between the "steepness" of a pressure gradient and the speed of the wind along that pressure gradient. Describe the general wind speed associated with a gentle (gradual) pressure gradient and a steep (abrupt) pressure gradient.

Answer 1

The wind speed is higher with a steeper pressure gradient and lower with a gentler pressure gradient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between the steepness of a pressure gradient and the speed of the wind along that pressure gradient is that a steeper pressure gradient results in higher wind speeds. A pressure gradient is the change in pressure over a distance. When the pressure gradient is gentle (gradual), the wind speed is generally low. Conversely, when the pressure gradient is steep (abrupt), the wind speed is generally high.

For example, if there is a gentle pressure gradient between a high pressure area and a low pressure area, the wind will blow slowly. But if there is a steep pressure gradient, such as between a tornado and the surrounding area, the wind will blow very fast.