In meteorology, what does geostrophic balance explain?

Geostrophic balance is a fundamental concept in meteorology that describes the balance between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force in the atmosphere. This balance helps explain why large-scale wind patterns flow parallel to isobars (lines of equal pressure) in the atmosphere rather than directly from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

In the context of low-pressure systems in the Northern Hemisphere, geostrophic balance explains that as air moves from high to low pressure, the Coriolis effect causes it to turn to the right. This results in a counterclockwise rotation around low-pressure systems. The interaction of the pressure gradient force, which pulls air towards the low-pressure center, and the Coriolis force, which deflects the moving air, creates a stable circular motion. This understanding is crucial for interpreting weather patterns and forecasting.