Question

The wind at 5,000 feet AGL is southwesterly while the surface wind is southerly. This difference in direction is primarily due to

A) stronger pressure gradient at higher altitudes.
B) friction between the wind and the surface.
C) stronger Coriolis force at the surface.
D) None of the above

Answer 1

The difference in wind direction between 5,000 feet AGL and the surface is primarily due to friction between the wind and the surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference in wind direction between 5,000 feet AGL (above ground level) and the surface is primarily due to the friction between the wind and the surface. The surface wind is influenced by factors like terrain and surface roughness, which can cause the wind to change direction. As the wind moves higher, it experiences less friction and is more influenced by factors like the pressure gradient and the Coriolis force.