MLchartDataset catalogue

Surface friction

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-009434

The drag force exerted by the Earth's surface on the lowest layers of the atmosphere, opposing the motion of air. This frictional force reduces wind speed and causes air to flow across isobars towards lower pressure, influencing the development of weather systems. It is particularly pronounced over rough terrain and decreases with height above the surface.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-009434
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoFriction velocity; Drag coefficient; Reynolds stresses
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-009434",
  "term": "Surface friction",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "The drag force exerted by the Earth's surface on the lowest layers of the atmosphere, opposing the motion of air. This frictional force reduces wind speed and causes air to flow across isobars towards lower pressure, influencing the development of weather systems. It is particularly pronounced over rough terrain and decreases with height above the surface.",
  "see_also": [
    "friction velocity",
    "drag coefficient",
    "Reynolds stresses"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/surface-friction/"
}

Record 9,406 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.