Barotropic fluid

Under barotropy (from Greek baros " pressure " and tropos " turn, direction " ) means that surfaces of equal pressure ( isobars ) and the same temperature ( isotherms ) are parallel to each other. This means that the horizontal currents are constant in this layer. The counterpart of the barotropy is the baroclinicity.

It is important to note that the images used to illustrate not correspond to reality. They show extremely exaggerated inclinations, but most are very small and therefore difficult to measure in reality.

Barotropy in the atmosphere

In the barotropic atmosphere, the surfaces of equal temperature are parallel to those of equal pressure. Therefore, the mean temperature between two surfaces of equal pressure everywhere the same and their tendency is constant with height. This results in the amount and the direction of a constant wind speed.

Barotropy in soil mechanics

In soil mechanics, the dependence of the friction angle is described by the mean pressure level with barotropy. The friction angle decreases with increasing mean pressure. The phenomenon is usually neglected and are usually only found when looking at low voltage conditions apply.

Barotropy in the ocean

In the ocean you go out, especially in the assumed to be relatively homogeneous deep layer of barotropic conditions.

The Isopyknenoberflächen ( surfaces of constant density) and the Isobarenoberflächen are directed parallel to each other. Your inclination remains constant with increasing depth. Therefore, the horizontal pressure gradient from B to A, as well as the geostrophic flow is constant with depth.