geostrophic — [jē΄ō sträf′ik] adj. [< GEO + Gr strophē (see STROPHE) + IC] designating or of a force producing deflection as a result of the earth s rotation … English World dictionary
Geostrophic wind — The geostrophic wind is the theoretical wind that would result from an exact balance between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force. This condition is called geostrophic balance. The geostrophic wind is directed parallel to isobars… … Wikipedia
geostrophic wind speed — The speed of a geostrophic wind calculated from the pressure gradient, air density, rotational velocity of the earth, and latitude. The calculation ignores the curvature of the wind’s path. A geostrophic wind is proportional to the pressure… … Aviation dictionary
geostrophic motion — ▪ atmospheric science fluid flow in a direction parallel to lines of equal pressure (isobars) in a rotating system, such as the Earth. Such flow is produced by the balance of the Coriolis force (q.v.; caused by the Earth s rotation) and the … Universalium
geostrophic wind level — noun (Meteorology). The lowest level at which the wind becomes geostrophic. In practice, the geostrophic wind level is between 1.2 kilometers (3,928 feet) and 1.6 kilometers (5,238 feet). This wind level probably marks the upper limit of… … Wiktionary
geostrophic scale — A scale expressed on transparent material and placed across the isobars to measure the geostrophic wind. See also geostrophic wind speed. Geostrophic wind scale for use with one standard parallel at 60°N … Aviation dictionary
geostrophic wind — noun a) Meteorology. A wind whose direction and speed are determined by a balance of the horizontal pressure gradient force and the force due to the earths rotation to the left in the northern hemisphere and to the right in the southern… … Wiktionary
geostrophic force — The force acting on the wind at right angles to its direction of motion, from left to right in the Northern Hemisphere and from right to left in the Southern Hemisphere. See also geostrophic wind … Aviation dictionary
geostrophic — adjective Etymology: ge + Greek strophikos turned, from strophē turning more at strophe Date: 1916 of, relating to, or arising from the Coriolis force • geostrophically adverb … New Collegiate Dictionary
geostrophic — /jee euh strof ik, stroh fik/, adj. of or pertaining to the balance between the Coriolis force and the horizontal pressure force in the atmosphere. [1915 20; GEO + STROPHIC] * * * … Universalium
