Geostrophic wind is a concept in meteorology that describes the wind flow that results from a balance between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force. This condition typically occurs in the upper levels of the atmosphere, away from the influence of friction, and is commonly associated with large-scale wind patterns and atmospheric circulation. ### Key Features of Geostrophic Wind: 1. **Coriolis Force**: This force arises from the rotation of the Earth and affects the direction of the wind.
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The geostrophic wind is the horizontal flow for which the pressure gradient force balances the Coriolis force. It runs along atmospheric isobars and has speed proportional to their pressure gradient, at fixed density and nonzero Coriolis parameter. Curvature, friction and small spatial scales can invalidate that approximation.