Vorticity

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-003003",
  "term": "Vorticity",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A vector quantity in fluid dynamics that describes the local rotation of a fluid element. It is defined as the curl of the velocity vector and indicates the rate of angular deformation of fluid particles. In meteorology, it is a fundamental property used to analyze atmospheric circulation, including cyclones and anticyclones, and is measured in units of inverse seconds.",
    "A measure of the rotation of air in a horizontal plane. Positive (counter-clockwise or cyclonic) vorticity can be correlated with surface low development and upward vertical motion (in areas of positive vorticity advection)."
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Stokes's theorem",
    "relative vorticity",
    "absolute vorticity",
    "geostrophic vorticity",
    "thermal vorticity",
    "vorticity equation",
    "curl",
    "deformation",
    "divergence"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/vorticity/"
}