hydrostatic balance
Quick Summary
In meteorology, hydrostatic balance refers to a state where the atmosphere is in equilibrium, meaning there are no vertical accelerations. This balance occurs between the upward pressure gradient force and the downward force of gravity. Essentially, the weight of the air above a certain point is balanced by the pressure pushing upward at that point.1
This principle is fundamental to understanding atmospheric pressure. As altitude increases, the weight of the air above decreases, leading to lower pressure. Conversely, pressure increases with depth in liquids, as seen in water. The concept of hydrostatic balance is crucial for creating atmospheric models used in aviation and other scientific applications.231
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- climateCharacteristics
The atmosphere is mainly in hydrostatic balance, or equilibrium, between the upward-directed pressure gradient force and the downward-directed force of gravity. This circumstance is expressed in the following relationship: ∂p/∂z = –ρg (1) where ∂p/∂z is the partial derivative of p with respect to z, p is the pressure, z…
Read MoreThe atmosphere is mainly in hydrostatic balance, or equilibrium, between the upward-directed pressure gradient force and the downward-directed force of gravity. This circumstance is expressed in the following relationship: ∂p/∂z = –ρg (1) where ∂p/∂z is the partial derivative of p with respect to z, p is the pressure, z…
Read More - climateRelationships to surface features
…maintain the approximate geostrophic and hydrostatic balance, which are necessary for quasigeostrophic equilibrium. Air converges at the surface underneath the rising current of air to compensate for the upward loss of mass and diverges at the surface underneath a sinking current of air to compensate for the downward gain of…
Read More…maintain the approximate geostrophic and hydrostatic balance, which are necessary for quasigeostrophic equilibrium. Air converges at the surface underneath the rising current of air to compensate for the upward loss of mass and diverges at the surface underneath a sinking current of air to compensate for the downward gain of…
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