Geostrophic wind

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-001147",
  "term": "Geostrophic wind",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A theoretical wind that results from a perfect equilibrium between the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis effect. This idealized airflow is directed parallel to straight, evenly spaced isobars, with higher pressure to its right in the Northern Hemisphere and to its left in the Southern Hemisphere. The geostrophic wind approximation is most accurate for large-scale atmospheric motions away from the frictional influence of the surface, typically above an altitude of about 1 kilometer.",
    "A wind that is affected by coriolis force, blows parallel to isobars and whose strength is related to the pressure gradient (i.e., spacing of the isobars)."
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "geostrophic equilibrium",
    "geostrophic approximation",
    "quasigeostrophic approximation",
    "Gradient wind"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/geostrophic-wind/"
}