The vertical pressure gradient force in the atmosphere is much larger than the magnitude of the horizontal pressure gradient force, yet vertical motions are normally much smaller than horizontal motions because of the... Group of answer choices opposing and near-balancing force of gravity acting downward on air. fact that the pressure gradient force has nothing to do with the movement of air parcels. negligible Coriolis effect in vertical motion. equal and opposite reaction of the earth's surface to the downward directed vertical pressure gradient force