GRADIENT WIND Meaning and
Definition
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Gradient wind refers to the wind that blows horizontally around a low-pressure system or high-pressure system. It is a concept used in meteorology to describe the balance between the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force, which act together to determine the direction and speed of the wind. The pressure gradient force arises due to the differences in pressure over a specified distance, while the Coriolis force is the deflection of wind caused by the rotation of the Earth.
In the case of a low-pressure system, the pressure gradient force is directed inward, towards the center of the low. At the same time, the Coriolis force acts perpendicular to the wind direction and to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. These two forces create a balance known as the gradient wind, which flows around the low-pressure system in a counterclockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and a clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere.
Similarly, in the case of a high-pressure system, the pressure gradient force is directed outward, away from the center of the high. The Coriolis force still acts in the same manner, but now it is directed to the left in the Northern Hemisphere and to the right in the Southern Hemisphere. This creates a balance of forces known as the gradient wind, which flows around the high-pressure system in a clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and a counterclockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere.
Overall, gradient wind is an important concept in meteorology as it helps scientists and forecasters predict the behavior and movement of low-pressure and high-pressure systems, which are responsible for much of our weather patterns.
Common Misspellings for GRADIENT WIND
- fradient wind
- vradient wind
- bradient wind
- hradient wind
- yradient wind
- tradient wind
- geadient wind
- gdadient wind
- gfadient wind
- gtadient wind
- g5adient wind
- g4adient wind
- grzdient wind
- grsdient wind
- grwdient wind
- grqdient wind
- grasient wind
- graxient wind
- gracient wind
- grafient wind
Etymology of GRADIENT WIND
The etymology of the word "gradient wind" can be broken down as follows:
1. Gradient: The word "gradient" originates from the Latin word "gradiens", which is the present participle form of "gradior", meaning "to step or walk". Gradior itself is derived from the Latin noun "gradus", meaning "step" or "grade".
2. Wind: The word "wind" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "windaz". It is related to the Old Norse word "vindr" and the Gothic word "anamunth-". All these words share the basic meaning of "movement of air".
Therefore, the term "gradient wind" refers to the wind that exists due to a gradient or change in atmospheric conditions, such as pressure, temperature, or density, over a horizontal distance.
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