Pressure gradient

Pressure gradient is the resultant force of the flow of air towards a low pressure zone originating from the high pressure zone. This flow is caused by pressure difference and it takes place in order to create equilibrium. Presence of differences in temperatures and height above sea level

Pressure gradient force

This is the force produced when air moves from a high pressure zone to a low pressure zone due to pressure difference. This means that the difference causes air to flow from the high pressure zone to the low pressure zone in order to achieve equilibrium. When there is difference in temperatures and altitude, the density of air will differ and consequently causes differences in pressure. Due to water and moisture content, cold air is denser than warm air. The height of the atmosphere (thickness) is higher when air is warm. As air warms the volume of the air increases and this causes expansion of the air. When air is cooling, it will contract. When warm air is placed next to cold air, the density differences between the air masses set up a pressure difference as well. Pressure gradient force causes the movement of air from areas where pressure is high to areas where pressure is low. When the pressure difference is wide, there is more force and hence a stronger wind (Roland, 2000).

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