Forces in the Atmosphere

There are three main forces that act on air parcels in the atmosphere:

1. Pressure Gradient Force (see section on thermodynamics)

2. Coriolis Force

3. Friction

The diagram below shows the path of wind when only the pressure gradient and coriolis force are acting on parcels, and then the path taken when friction is taken into account. Notice that friction causes wind to cross over isobars (lines representing equal pressure) whereas with no friction air would be always parallel to isobars.

As an air parcel moves due to these forces it will follow a path similar to the one illustrated in the diagram below:

NEWTON’S LAWS THERMODYNAMICS FORCES IN THE ATMOSPHERE CORIOLIS FORCE STORMS THE DEMONSTRATION HOME

Ó 2004 by Marisa Demers