geostrophic
/ˌdʒioʊˈstrɑfɪk/
adjective
- Relating to the balance between Earth's rotation and pressure differences in the atmosphere or ocean, which causes winds or currents to flow parallel to lines of constant pressure.
- Geostrophic winds are common in the upper atmosphere, where friction is low.
- Meteorologists use geostrophic balance to predict large-scale weather patterns.
- The ocean current is nearly geostrophic, flowing along the edge of a high-pressure zone.