Question

The 500-mb map also shows that, where contour lines are relatively close, such as across the northeastern U.S., wind speeds are relatively ________ compared to where contour lines are more widely spaced. This principle corresponds to the similar relationship between the spacing of isobars and wind speeds on surface maps.

a) Higher
b) Lower
c) Constant
d) Variable

Answer 1

The question concerns meteorological maps where closer contour lines correlate with a. higher wind speeds, reflecting a steeper pressure gradient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is regarding the relationship between the spacing of contour lines on a 500-mb map and the corresponding wind speeds. In meteorology, when contour lines on such a map are relatively close together, it signifies a steep gradient in pressure. According to this principle, similar to the relation between the spacing of isobars and wind speeds on surface maps, wind speeds are relatively higher where the contour lines are closely spaced as compared to where the contour lines are more widely spaced. This correlation highlights how vector calculus is used to predict atmospheric conditions, including wind speed and direction, by analyzing pressure variations.

The question concerns meteorological maps where closer contour lines correlate with higher wind speeds, reflecting a steeper pressure gradient.According to this principle, similar to the relation between the spacing of isobars and wind speeds on surface maps, wind speeds are relatively higher where the contour lines are closely spaced as compared to where the contour lines are more widely spaced.