Explain how the geostrophic wind develops
The geostrophic wind develops due to the balance between the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force in the Earth's atmosphere.
When air parcels move from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, they experience a pressure gradient force that pushes them towards the lower pressure region. However, the Coriolis force, caused by the Earth's rotation, deflects the air parcels to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
As the air parcels move towards the lower pressure area, the Coriolis force deflects them until they reach a balance with the pressure gradient force. This results in a constant wind flow parallel to the isobars (lines of constant pressure). This wind flow is known as the geostrophic wind.
The geostrophic wind is an important component of the Earth's atmospheric circulation and plays a key role in determining weather patterns and climate. It is commonly observed in the upper levels of the atmosphere, where other forces such as friction are minimal.