What phenomenon involves the interaction of horizontal pressure gradients and Coriolis forces?

The phenomenon that involves the interaction of horizontal pressure gradients and Coriolis forces is known as geostrophic balance. In this context, geostrophic balance describes the relationship between the pressure gradient force, which acts to move air from high to low pressure, and the Coriolis effect, which results from the Earth's rotation and causes moving air (or water) to turn and twist. When these two forces are in balance, the wind flows parallel to isobars (lines of constant pressure) rather than crossing them directly.

This balance is critical in meteorology for understanding how winds behave at higher altitudes and in large-scale weather systems. For instance, when pressure gradients are strong, winds increase in speed, but the Coriolis force increases as well, leading to a stable and predictable wind flow in the atmosphere. This concept is foundational for meteorologists when forecasting weather patterns and understanding the dynamics of the atmosphere.