ESS101C
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Geostrophic Flow
q Geostrophic Flow: Coriolis force >> centrifugal force
                                   pressure gradient force is balance is by Coriolis force
                                   (synoptic-scale weather systems; scales ~1000km)
q Cyclostrophic Flow: centrifugal force >> Coriolis force
                                      pressure gradient force is balance is by centrifugal force
                                      (tornado; sacels ~ 100 meters)
(figure from Dynamic Meteorology)