Difluence

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000710",
  "term": "Difluence",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "(or diffluence) - A pattern of wind flow in which air moves outward (in a \"fan-out\" pattern) away from a central axis that is oriented parallel to the general direction of the flow. It is the opposite of confluence.\n\nDifluence in an upper level wind field is considered a favorable condition for severe thunderstorm development (if other parameters are also favorable). But difluence is not the same as divergence. In a difluent flow, winds normally decelerate as they move through the region of difluence, resulting in speed convergence which offsets the apparent diverging effect of the difluent flow.",
  "synonyms": [
    "diffluence"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/difluence/"
}