1. Air Motions Geology 390 WSUV Dr. Robert M MacKay

2. 1st Law (Law of Inertia) Every object continues in its state of rest, or of uniform motion in a straight line, unless it is compelled to change that state by forces impressed upon it. acceleration = 0.0 unless the objected is acted on by an unbalanced force

4. Forces that influence the wind 1. Pressure Gradient Force 2. Coriolis Force 3. Friction On average Gravity nearly balances the vertical Pressure gradient (hydrostatic balance)

5. Fig. 8-16, p. 203

6. Pressure Gradient=P/dist

7. Pressure Gradient

9. Centrifugal force an (Apparent Force)

11. Coriolis Force (apparent force due to Earths rotation)

12. Coriolis Force Deflects air to right in NH & Left in SH Is always zero at the equator Increases with latitude Increases with wind speed Increases as planet rotation speed increase

13. Coriolis Force

15. Geostrophic Winds