What Is Friction?
The drag the ground puts on wind. It slows the wind near the surface and turns it slightly toward low pressure. In technical terms: The turbulent drag force in the planetary boundary layer, which reduces wind speed and thus the Coriolis force so near-surface wind crosses isobars toward lower pressure, typically by 10-20 degrees over water and 25-45 degrees over land.
Friction In Plain English
The drag the ground puts on wind. It slows the wind near the surface and turns it slightly toward low pressure.
The Technical Definition
The turbulent drag force in the planetary boundary layer, which reduces wind speed and thus the Coriolis force so near-surface wind crosses isobars toward lower pressure, typically by 10-20 degrees over water and 25-45 degrees over land.
Lessons That Use Friction
- What Makes The Wind Blow: Pressure Gradient And Coriolis Unit 3: Wind And Pressure Systems
