Synoptic scale meteorology
- Synoptic scale meteorology
The synoptic scale in meteorology (also known as large scale or cyclonic scale) is a horizontal length scale of the order of 1000 kilometres (about 620 miles) or more [American Meteorological Society. [http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=cyclonic-scale1 Cyclonic scale.] Retrieved on 2007-05-10.] . This corresponds to a horizontal scale typical of mid-latitude depressions. Most high and low pressure areas seen on weather maps are synoptic-scale systems. The word synoptic is derived from the Greek word "sunoptikos" meaning "seen together".
The Navier-Stokes equations applied to atmospheric motion can be simplified by scale analysis in the synoptic scale. It can be shown that main terms in horizontal equations are Coriolis force and pressure gradient terms; therefore, one can use geostrophic approximation. In vertical coordinates the momentum equation simplifies to the hydrostatic equilibrium equation.
ee also
* Mesoscale
* Microscale
* Storm-scale
* Misoscale
References
External links
* [http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?p=1&query=synoptic Definition of synoptic scale]
* [http://nsidc.org/arcticmet/glossary/synoptic_meteorology.html Definition of synoptic meteorology]
* [http://nsidc.org/arcticmet/glossary/synoptic_hour.html Definition of synoptic hours]
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