What characterizes the geostrophic wind?

The geostrophic wind is characterized by its balance between the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force. This results in the wind flowing parallel to isobars rather than across them. Specifically, in the geostrophic balance, the pressure gradient force pushes air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, while the Coriolis force, due to the Earth's rotation, influences the wind to veer to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, as these forces are balanced, the geostrophic wind will flow along straight isobars rather than curving around them.

This wind behavior typically occurs in the upper troposphere, where friction is minimal and the effects of the Earth's rotation are more pronounced. The geostrophic wind's characteristics are important in meteorology for understanding large-scale atmospheric movements and the development of weather patterns.