1. In a manner relating to or determined by the geostrophic balance between the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force in fluid motion, especially in atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
Usage: technical; meteorology and oceanography

Examples

• The wind flows geostrophically when the pressure gradient force is balanced by the Coriolis effect.
• Ocean currents move geostrophically in large-scale circulation patterns.
• At mid-latitudes, air masses tend to move geostrophically along isobars.
• The model assumes the atmosphere behaves geostrophically in the absence of friction.
• Geostrophically balanced flows are common in the upper atmosphere.