Does Wind Flow Parallel to Isobars?

The geostrophic wind is directed parallel to isobars (lines of constant pressure at a given height). This balance seldom holds exactly in nature. The true wind almost always differs from the geostrophic wind due to other forces such as friction from the ground.

Is wind parallel to isobars?

Geostrophic wind blows parallel to the isobars because the Coriolis force and pressure gradient force are in balance. However it should be realized that the actual wind is not always geostrophic -- especially near the surface. The surface of the Earth exerts a frictional drag on the air blowing just above it.

Why does wind flow parallel to isobars?

The pressure gradient force becomes slightly more dominant and the parcel moves back to the original radius. This allows the gradient wind to blow parallel to the isobars. Since the pressure gradient force doesn't change, and all the forces must balance, the Coriolis force becomes weaker.