Meteorology:Barotropic
Published: March 30, 2010, 12:00 am
Updated: December 21, 2011, 10:57 am
This article has been reviewed by the following Topic Editor:
C Michael Hogan
Barotropic describes a hypothetical atmosphere or ocean in which surfaces of pressure (isobaric surfaces) and density (isentropic surfaces) coincide at all levels, as compared to baroclinic flow. In a state of barotropic stratification, no potential energy is available for conversion to kinetic energy.
A barotropic flow is a generalization of the barotropic atmosphere; moreover, barotropic flow is a flow regime in which the pressure is a function of the density. Barotropic flow, in oceanography, is depth-independent circulation due to changes in surface elevation.
References
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James R Holton, An introduction to dynamic meteorology, ISBN 0-12-354355-X, 3rd edition, p77.
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Marcel Lesieur, Turbulence in Fluids: Stochastic and Numerical Modeling, ISBN 0-7923-0645-7
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D. J. Tritton, Physical Fluid Dynamics, ISBN 0-19-854493-6.
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This article is written at a definitional level only. Authors wishing to expand this entry are inivited to expand the present treatment, which additions will be peer reviewed prior to publication of any expansion. |
See also
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Citation
Steve Baum (Lead Author);C Michael Hogan (Topic Editor) "Barotropic". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth March 30, 2010; Last revised Date December 21, 2011; Retrieved June 20, 2013 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Barotropic?topic=49537>
The Author
Assistant Research Scientist, Physical Section
Department of Oceanography
Texas A&M University ... (Full Bio)
Barotropic describes a hypothetical atmosphere or ocean in which surfaces of pressure (isobaric surfaces) and density (isentropic surfaces) coincide at all levels, as compared to baroclinic flow. In a state of barotropic stratification, no potential energy is available for conversion to kinetic energy.
A barotropic flow is a generalization of the barotropic atmosphere; moreover, barotropic flow is a flow regime in which the pressure is a function of the density. Barotropic flow, in oceanography, is depth-independent circulation due to changes in surface elevation.
References
-
James R Holton, An introduction to dynamic meteorology, ISBN 0-12-354355-X, 3rd edition, p77.
-
Marcel Lesieur, Turbulence in Fluids: Stochastic and Numerical Modeling, ISBN 0-7923-0645-7
-
D. J. Tritton, Physical Fluid Dynamics, ISBN 0-19-854493-6.
|
This article is written at a definitional level only. Authors wishing to expand this entry are inivited to expand the present treatment, which additions will be peer reviewed prior to publication of any expansion. |
See also
Are you absolutely sure you want to delete this article? This process cannot be undone and is permanent.
Yes, Delete This Article
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Yes, Remove This Article
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