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Date Posted: 16:33:07 04/16/11 Sat
Author: bc
Subject: meteorology
In reply to: BC 's message, "Aussie research" on 16:19:57 04/16/11 Sat

Perhaps the most important instance of the Coriolis effect is in the large-scale dynamics of the oceans and the atmosphere. In meteorology and oceanography, it is convenient to postulate a rotating frame of reference wherein the Earth is stationary. In accommodation of that provisional postulation, the otherwise fictitious centrifugal and Coriolis forces are introduced. Their relative importance is determined by the applicable Rossby numbers.

- the Rossby number, named for Carl-Gustav Arvid Rossby, is a dimensionless number used in describing fluid flow ...
- the Rossby number is the ratio of inertial to Coriolis force ...
- is commonly used in geophysical phenomena in the oceans and atmosphere, where it characterizes the importance of Coriolis accelerations arising from planetary rotation ...
- it is also known as the "Kibel" number

Tornados have high Rossby numbers, so, while tornado-associated centrifugal forces are quite substantial, Coriolis forces associated with tornados are for practical purposes negligible.

High pressure systems rotate in a direction such that the Coriolis force will be directed radially inwards, and nearly balanced by the outwardly radial pressure gradient. This direction is clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the southern hemisphere. Low pressure systems rotate in the opposite direction, so that the Coriolis force is directed radially outward and nearly balances an inwardly radial pressure gradient. In each case a slight imbalance between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient accounts for the radially inward acceleration of the system's circular motion.

Last edited by author: Sat April 16, 2011 16:48:54   Edited 2 times.

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