Baroclinic field
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baroclinic field
(¦bar·ə¦klin·ik ′fēld)
(meteorology) A distribution of atmospheric pressure and mass such that the specific volume, or density, of air is a function not solely of pressure.
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Baroclinic field
A distribution of atmospheric pressure and mass such that the specific volume, or density, of air is a function of both pressure and temperature, but not either alone. When the field is baroclinic, solenoids are present, there is a gradient of air temperature on a surface of constant pressure, and there is a vertical shear of the geostrophic wind. Significant development of cyclonic and anticyclonic wind circulations typically occurs only in strongly baroclinic fields. Fronts represent baroclinic fields which are locally very intense. See also Air pressure; Front; Geostrophic wind; Solenoid (meteorology); Storm; Wind.
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McGraw-Hill Science & Technology Dictionary
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms. Copyright © 2003, 1994, 1989, 1984, 1978, 1976, 1974 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Mentioned in
Isopycnic
(meteorology and climatology)
Barotropic field
(meteorology and climatology)
Solenoid
(meteorology and climatology)