Baroclinic instability

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-003808",
  "term": "Baroclinic instability",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A dynamic process in a baroclinic atmosphere where small perturbations grow into large-scale weather systems, such as extratropical cyclones. This instability arises from the interaction between horizontal temperature gradients and vertical wind shear, allowing potential energy to be converted into kinetic energy. It is a fundamental mechanism for atmospheric cyclogenesis.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/baroclinic-instability/"
}