Hydrostatic assumption

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-006351",
  "term": "Hydrostatic assumption",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A simplification used in atmospheric modeling where the vertical pressure gradient force is assumed to be in balance with the force of gravity. This approximation is valid for large-scale, synoptic weather systems where vertical accelerations are small compared to gravitational acceleration. The assumption breaks down in smaller-scale phenomena with strong vertical motions, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and mountain waves.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/hydrostatic-assumption/"
}