Geostrophic approximation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-005943",
  "term": "Geostrophic approximation",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A simplification of the equations of motion in which the horizontal pressure gradient force is assumed to be exactly balanced by the Coriolis force. This approximation is used to estimate wind speed and direction in the free atmosphere, away from the frictional influence of the Earth's surface. The geostrophic approximation is valid for large-scale, synoptic weather systems in the mid-latitudes but is not applicable near the equator where the Coriolis force is zero.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/geostrophic-approximation/"
}