Question

Draw a thin, straight line about 1 cm long from the center of the Portland station circle in the direction toward lowest pressure that is perpendicular to the 996-mb isobar just north of the Portland station circle. Add an arrowhead to form an arrow pointing toward lowest pressure. The arrow you just drew represents the direction of the ________ force acting on the air at Portland.

Answer 1

The arrow represents the pressure gradient force, which causes air to move from high to low pressure areas, contributing to wind patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The arrow drawn towards the direction of lowest pressure from the center of the Portland station circle, perpendicular to the 996-mb isobar, represents the direction of the pressure gradient force acting on the air at Portland. This force is responsible for initiating the movement of air from regions of higher atmospheric pressure to regions of lower atmospheric pressure, resulting in wind. As per the description provided, the arrow added points towards the area of lower pressure, which aligns with how the pressure gradient force operates in the Earth's atmosphere as explained by meteorologists. Meteorologists study weather patterns and use isobars on weather maps to understand and predict weather conditions by looking at areas marked with 'H' for high pressure and 'L' for low pressure.