Steepness

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-002633",
  "term": "Steepness",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A measure of the gradient or slope of a meteorological variable, such as temperature, pressure, or terrain elevation, over a given distance. It indicates how rapidly a value changes spatially. For instance, a steep pressure gradient implies strong winds, while a steep temperature gradient can indicate a frontal boundary.",
    "In marine terms, on a buoy report, wave steepness is the ratio of wave height to wave length and is an indicator of wave stability. When wave steepness exceeds a 1/7 ratio, the wave becomes unstable and begins to break."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/steepness/"
}