Rossby radius of deformation
Summary
The Rossby radius of deformation is a horizontal length scale of rotating fluids. At this scale the effects of the Earth's rotation become as important as those of buoyancy or of the free surface. It equals a gravity wave speed divided by the Coriolis parameter. Motions larger than this scale are close to geostrophic balance. It sets the typical size of weather systems in the atmosphere and of eddies in the ocean.
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| Tag | MT3A0DDAA8 |
|---|---|
| URI | m2://MT3A0DDAA8 |
| Kind | concept |
| Writing | W0 stub |
| MSC | 76U60, 86A10, 86A05 |
| Same as | |
| Changed | 3 November 2026 |
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