baroclinic field of mass

oceanography

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June 22, 2026

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The baroclinic field of mass in oceanography refers to a state where surfaces of constant pressure intersect surfaces of constant density. This occurs in oceans that are not homogeneous, meaning they have variations in temperature and salinity.12

In such a non-homogeneous ocean, horizontal pressure differences change with depth, leading to currents that also vary with depth. This is in contrast to a barotropic field of mass, where pressure gradients are uniform with depth, resulting in currents independent of depth. The baroclinic field of mass is a significant component of the horizontal pressure gradient that drives ocean currents.2

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ocean current
Pressure gradients
This is the baroclinic field of mass, which leads to currents that vary with depth. The horizontal pressure gradient in the ocean is a combination of these two mass fields.
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This is the baroclinic field of mass, which leads to currents that vary with depth. The horizontal pressure gradient in the ocean is a combination of these two mass fields.
Read More