Atmospheric and oceanic hydrostatic balance
When vertical acceleration is negligible, the vertical pressure gradient balances gravity: ∂p/∂z=−ρg for upward z.
Key knowledge
When vertical acceleration is negligible, the vertical pressure gradient balances gravity: ∂p/∂z=−ρg for upward z. This relates pressure to the overlying mass distribution. An equation of state and boundary conditions are additionally needed to obtain a pressure profile.
Values and equations
∂p/∂z = −ρg
- p
- pressure Pa
- z
- upward vertical coordinate m
- ρ
- mass density kg m⁻³
- g
- gravitational acceleration magnitude m s⁻²
Conditions and scope
- Neglect significant vertical acceleration; the approximation can fail in intense small-scale convection.
- Density and gravity may vary; integration must retain their relevant variation.
Sources · 1
References
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Evidence and review
Read force-balance derivation, equation (2), profile requirement and vertical-acceleration limitation.
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Entry details
Permanent link to this entry ↗- Record identity
- uni-earth-hydrostatic-balance
- Revision
- core.1
- Structured reference record
- University core expansion