geostrophic
/ˌdʒiːə(ʊ)ˈstrɒfɪk
/ /ˌdʒiːə(ʊ)ˈstrəʊfɪk/adjective Meteorology & Oceanography
Relating to or denoting the component of a wind or current that arises from a balance between pressure gradients and coriolis forces.If a geostrophic wind, with pressure gradient force balanced by the Coriolis force, were to encounter a rough surface, the wind speed would decrease....
- In addition to these local variables, a regional indicator of geostrophic wind, calculated from daily air pressure measurements at three stations in northwestern Germany, was used.
- Particle-related density gradients were responsible for roughly one-third of the geostrophic velocity shear at the plume edge.
Origin
Early 20th century: from geo- 'of the earth' + Greek strophē 'a turning' (from strephein 'to turn').