geostrophic

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek γεω- (geō-, “earth-”) + στροφή (strophḗ, “a turn, bend, twist”) + -ic.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /d͡ʒɪ.əˈstɹoʊ.fɪk/, /-ˈstɹɔ.fɪk/

Adjective

geostrophic (comparative more geostrophic, superlative most geostrophic)

1. (meteorology) Relating to the balance, in the atmosphere, between the horizontal Coriolis forces and the horizontal pressure forces.
2. (meteorology) Relating to or arising from the deflective force exerted on the atmosphere due to the rotation of the earth.

Coordinate terms

• cyclostrophic

See also

• ageostrophic
• geostrophic wind
• geostrophic wind level