diffusive equilibrium

diffusive equilibrium

[də′fyü·ziv ‚ē·kwə′lib·rē·əm] (meteorology) The steady state resulting from the diffusion process, primarily of interest when external forces and sources and sinks exist within the field; in such a state the constituent gases of the atmosphere would be distributed independently of each other, the heavier decreasing more rapidly with height than the lighter; but the presence of turbulent mixing precludes establishment of complete diffusive equilibrium.