When isobar contour lines are closer, do they mean faster wind speed or when they are far apart?
When isobar contour lines are closer together, that means that wind speeds will be higher. As you may know, isobars are lines of equal air pressure on a weather map. Also, one of the most important factors that affect wind speed is something known as the pressure gradient force. This means that areas of different air pressure on the surface will create the effect of wind. Now, the greater the difference in air pressure over an area, the higher the winds will be, as suggested by isobars that are close together.