The area of greatest wind speed is represented by the diagram with the largest pressure difference between high and low pressure, which is diagram B with a pressure difference of 12 mb.
The question asks which diagram represents the area of greatest windspeed when winds are blowing from high-pressure to low-pressure systems over identical ocean surfaces.
The area of greatest windspeed would be represented by the diagram with the largest pressure difference between the high and low pressure systems, as wind speed increases with greater pressure gradients.
Examining the provided options:
A. 986 mb (H) to 980 mb (L) – Pressure difference: 6 mb
B. 1008 mb (H) to 996 mb (L) – Pressure difference: 12 mb
C. 1008 mb (H) to 1000 mb (L) – Pressure difference: 8 mb
D. 1024 mb (H) to 1020 mb (L) – Pressure difference: 4 mb
The diagram that represents the area of greatest windspeed is B, with a pressure difference of 12 mb.