Geostrophic balance
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-005944
A condition in fluid dynamics where the horizontal pressure gradient force is precisely offset by the Coriolis force. This equilibrium leads to a steady flow that is parallel to lines of constant pressure, known as isobars. Geostrophic balance is a theoretical idealization that provides a good first-order description of large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-005944 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-005944",
"term": "Geostrophic balance",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definition": "A condition in fluid dynamics where the horizontal pressure gradient force is precisely offset by the Coriolis force. This equilibrium leads to a steady flow that is parallel to lines of constant pressure, known as isobars. Geostrophic balance is a theoretical idealization that provides a good first-order description of large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.",
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/geostrophic-balance/"
}
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