What effect does surface friction have on wind patterns near the ground?

Surface friction plays a significant role in shaping wind patterns near the ground. As wind moves over the Earth's surface, it encounters obstacles such as trees, buildings, and uneven terrain. This interaction between the wind and the surface creates drag, which effectively slows down the wind's speed.

Furthermore, surface friction is not uniform; it varies depending on the type of terrain. For example, winds blowing over a rough, uneven surface will experience greater friction than those moving over a smooth, flat surface. As a result of this friction, not only is the wind speed decreased, but the direction of the wind is also altered. It tends to spiral in towards low-pressure areas due to this change in speed and direction, a phenomenon that can lead to the formation of weather systems.

Considering the other options, increasing wind speed would contradict the fundamental effect of surface friction, which typically slows wind. The idea that surface friction destroys wind patterns ignores the fact that while it modifies them, it does not eliminate them. Lastly, suggesting that there is no effect of surface friction on wind patterns negates the observed interactions between wind and various surface conditions, which are critical in meteorology. Thus, the correct choice reflects the nature of how surface friction influences wind behavior in the lower atmosphere