How do the winds at 2,000 feet differ from winds at the surface?

Winds at 2,000 feet tend to be higher in speed and generally flow more parallel to the isobars compared to surface winds. This phenomenon occurs due to a reduction in surface friction at higher altitudes. At the surface, friction from terrain, vegetation, and other obstacles disrupts wind flow, causing winds to change direction and speed more significantly as they interact with these features. As altitude increases, the influence of surface friction decreases, allowing winds to more closely follow the pressure gradient, which is represented by the isobars.

While surface winds tend to be slower and often angle across isobars due to terrain and friction effects, the winds at 2,000 feet are primarily determined by the larger scale pressure systems and thus align more closely with the isobars. Therefore, the statement that winds at 2,000 feet are higher and flow parallel to the isobars accurately reflects the meteorological principles governing wind behavior at different altitudes.