MLchartDataset catalogue

Sigma vertical coordinate

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-008864

A normalized pressure coordinate system used in atmospheric models where the vertical coordinate is defined as pressure divided by surface pressure. This system allows the model's vertical levels to conform to the terrain, providing better resolution near the ground. It is dimensionless, ranging from 0 at the model top to 1 at the surface.

Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-008864",
  "term": "Sigma vertical coordinate",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A normalized pressure coordinate system used in atmospheric models where the vertical coordinate is defined as pressure divided by surface pressure. This system allows the model's vertical levels to conform to the terrain, providing better resolution near the ground. It is dimensionless, ranging from 0 at the model top to 1 at the surface.",
  "see_also": [
    "eta vertical coordinate",
    "hybrid vertical coordinate",
    "isentropic vertical coordinate",
    "pressure vertical coordinates",
    "height vertical coordinate"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/sigma-vertical-coordinate/"
}

Record 8,571 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.