Which one among the following forces is most powerful in determining m

Which one among the following forces is most powerful in determining movement of wind including its velocity ?

Gravitational force
Centrifugal force
Frictional force
Pressure gradient force
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
The Pressure Gradient Force (PGF) is the primary force that initiates air movement, i.e., wind. It is the force that pushes air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. The strength of the wind is directly proportional to the magnitude of the pressure gradient (the rate of pressure change over distance).
Pressure gradient force is fundamental to atmospheric circulation. Air flows from high pressure to low pressure, and this movement constitutes wind. Other forces like Coriolis force and friction modify the direction and speed of the wind, but PGF is the initial driver.
While other forces influence wind, their roles are different: Gravitational force keeps the atmosphere bound to the Earth. Centrifugal force is relevant in curved motion but not the primary cause of wind. Frictional force acts opposite to the direction of motion, slowing down the wind, especially near the surface.
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