Hydrostatic approximation

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-006350",
  "term": "Hydrostatic approximation",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A simplification in atmospheric dynamics where the vertical pressure gradient force is assumed to be in exact balance with the gravitational force. This approximation is valid for atmospheric motions where vertical accelerations are much smaller than the acceleration due to gravity, such as in large-scale weather systems. It is a cornerstone of many numerical weather prediction models.",
  "see_also": [
    "hydrostatic balance"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/hydrostatic-approximation/"
}