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Re: Hot air rising and automobile thermometers



I am glad the clarification (see below) was provided. My
impression was that the "nearly parallel to isobars" was a
typing error and that "perpendicular" was intended. Just
shows how little meteorology I know. So much learning
this summer, unexpectedly.

Leigh Palmer wrote:

The "common wind" referred to here is called the "geostrophic" wind.
Explaining why it flows parallel to the isobars when driven by the
pressure gradient is a good exercise for the physicist, unless his
religion forbids belief in the Coriolis force. It also gives new
meaning to the term "equilibrium". (The equilibrium is established
between the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force in the
frame of reference which moves with the wind.)