Baroclinic disturbance

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-003806",
  "term": "Baroclinic disturbance",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A wave-like perturbation in the atmosphere that grows due to baroclinic instability, converting potential energy from horizontal temperature gradients into kinetic energy. These disturbances are responsible for the formation and intensification of extratropical cyclones and anticyclones. They are a primary driver of weather variability in mid-latitudes.",
  "synonyms": [
    "baroclinic wave"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "barotropic disturbance"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/baroclinic-disturbance/"
}