How is strong pressure gradient represented on a weather map?

On a weather map, a strong pressure gradient is represented by closely spaced isobars [2]. Isobars are isolines that connect points of equal atmospheric pressure [3]. The pressure gradient refers to the rate of change in pressure over a specific distance; when these lines are close together, it indicates a steep or strong gradient, signifying rapid pressure changes over a short distance [4]. Conversely, widely spaced isobars indicate a weak pressure gradient [2]. This gradient is the primary force driving wind; a stronger pressure gradient force, indicated by tight isobar spacing, results in higher wind speeds as air moves from high to low pressure areas [5]. Therefore, meteorologists use the density of these lines to visually assess wind intensity and the severity of weather systems like cyclones.

Sources

1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Isobars > p. 304
2. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Pressure Gradient Force > p. 306
3. [3] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems > Horizontal Distribution of Pressure > p. 77
4. [4] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems > Pressure Gradient Force > p. 78
5. [5] https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC%2000-6A%20Chap%204-6.pdf