Dissipation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-005063",
  "term": "Dissipation",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "The process by which the kinetic energy of organized atmospheric motions, such as eddies and waves, is converted into thermal energy. This conversion occurs at the smallest scales of motion, where molecular viscosity becomes effective at smoothing out velocity gradients. The dissipation rate is a key parameter in turbulence theory, representing the rate at which energy is lost from the turbulent cascade.",
  "synonyms": [
    "viscous dissipation"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "stress tensor",
    "energy equation"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/dissipation/"
}