Geostrophic Approximation
Horizontal motions are in balance with the pressure gradient force. Friction is negligible ( i.e., far away from surface). Steady flow with small curvature ( i.e., dV/dt = 0 ). Works well for z
1 km,
> 10°.
· f · Vg =
P/
x
· f · Ug =
P/
y


