MLchartDataset catalogue

Geostrophic flow

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-005952

An idealized horizontal flow in a rotating fluid, such as the atmosphere or ocean, where the Coriolis force perfectly balances the horizontal pressure gradient force. This balance causes the fluid to move parallel to the isobars (lines of constant pressure). Geostrophic flow is a good approximation for large-scale motions away from the equator and frictional boundaries, and it is a cornerstone of dynamic meteorology.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-005952
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoGeostrophic wind
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-005952",
  "term": "Geostrophic flow",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "An idealized horizontal flow in a rotating fluid, such as the atmosphere or ocean, where the Coriolis force perfectly balances the horizontal pressure gradient force. This balance causes the fluid to move parallel to the isobars (lines of constant pressure). Geostrophic flow is a good approximation for large-scale motions away from the equator and frictional boundaries, and it is a cornerstone of dynamic meteorology.",
  "see_also": [
    "geostrophic wind"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/geostrophic-flow/"
}

Record 4,048 of 10,702 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.