MLchartDataset catalogue

Ekman layer

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-005297

A layer of fluid, either in the ocean or atmosphere, where the balance between the Coriolis force, pressure gradient force, and turbulent friction determines the velocity profile. In the atmosphere, it is the lowest part of the planetary boundary layer where surface friction significantly influences the wind direction and speed. The wind within this layer typically veers with height, forming an Ekman spiral.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-005297
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
Synonymsspiral layer
See alsoAtmospheric boundary layer
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-005297",
  "term": "Ekman layer",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A layer of fluid, either in the ocean or atmosphere, where the balance between the Coriolis force, pressure gradient force, and turbulent friction determines the velocity profile. In the atmosphere, it is the lowest part of the planetary boundary layer where surface friction significantly influences the wind direction and speed. The wind within this layer typically veers with height, forming an Ekman spiral.",
  "synonyms": [
    "spiral layer"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "atmospheric boundary layer"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/ekman-layer/"
}

Record 3,113 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.