Themes > Science > Earth Sciences > Hydrology, Meteorology, Climatology > Meteorology / Climatology > Forces and Winds > Pressure Gradient Force


Directed from high to low pressure

The change in pressure measured across a given distance is called a "pressure gradient".

The pressure gradient results in a net force that is directed from high to low pressure and this force is called the "pressure gradient force".


Animation by: Hall

The pressure gradient force is responsible for triggering the initial movement of air.


Information provided by: http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu