Barotropic, Baroclinic Atmosphere

Barotropic Atmosphere
• Barotropic Atmosphere: One in which density is a
function only of pressure

   ( p)
Significance:

1) Isobaric and constant density surfaces are the same

2) Isobaric surfaces are also isothermal (Ideal Gas Law)
3) Thus, no temperature gradient = no change in geostrophic wind
with height
 Baroclinicity
• Baroclinic Atmosphere – Density is a function of
pressure and temperature

   ( p, T )

• Thermal wind equation applies, geostrophic wind

can have vertical shear
• Temperature gradients imply frontal systems
• Mid-latitudes are baroclinic
 4. Baroclinic vs. Barotropic
Barotropic Baroclinic
=(p) only =(p,T)

Implications: Implications:
1) isobaric and isothermal surfaces 1) isobaric and isothermal surfaces
coincide intersect
2) no vertical wind shear 2) vertical wind shear
(thermal wind = 0) (thermal wind ≠ 0)
3) no tilt of pressure systems with height 3) pressure systems tilt with height

Seasons: Atmosphere is most baroclinic in winter.

Atmosphere is least baroclinic in summer.
Geographic: Atmosphere is most baroclinic in midlatitudes
Atmosphere is least baroclinic in the Tropics