Barotropic instability

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-003832",
  "term": "Barotropic instability",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A type of hydrodynamic instability that arises in a fluid flow where the basic state is barotropic, meaning density depends only on pressure. This instability occurs when the horizontal shear of the basic flow is strong enough to extract kinetic energy from the mean flow to amplify perturbations. It is a mechanism for the growth of atmospheric waves, particularly in the upper troposphere and stratosphere.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/barotropic-instability/"
}