The horizontal wind circulation near the Earth’s surface is due to the 1. pressure gradient. 2. frictional force. 3. coriolis force. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Horizontal wind circulation near the Earth's surface is the result of a three-way balance between the pressure gradient force, the Coriolis force, and the frictional force [4]. The pressure gradient force initiates air motion from high to low pressure [5]. As the air moves, the Coriolis force, generated by the Earth's rotation, deflects the wind direction [5]. Unlike the upper atmosphere (2-3 km above the surface) where friction is negligible and winds are primarily geostrophic [3], surface winds are significantly influenced by the irregularities of the Earth's surface [4]. This frictional force slows the wind speed, which in turn reduces the Coriolis effect, causing the wind to cross isobars at an angle toward lower pressure rather than blowing parallel to them [4]. Consequently, all three forces are essential for determining the velocity and direction of surface-level horizontal wind circulation [1].

Sources

1. [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems > Forces Affecting the Velocity and Direction of Wind > p. 78
2. [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Frictional Force > p. 307
3. [5] https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC%2000-6A%20Chap%204-6.pdf
4. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems > Pressure and Wind > p. 79
5. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 27: Jet streams > Geostrophic Wind > p. 384