Geostrophic equilibrium

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-005951",
  "term": "Geostrophic equilibrium",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A state of balance in a fluid where the pressure gradient force is exactly opposed by the Coriolis force. This equilibrium explains why large-scale atmospheric and oceanic flows, away from the surface and the equator, tend to move parallel to isobars or isobaths. Geostrophic equilibrium is a foundational concept for the geostrophic wind approximation, which is valid for synoptic-scale systems where the Rossby number is small (less than about 0.1).",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/geostrophic-equilibrium/"
}