Hypsometric equation

From Glossary of Meteorology



hypsometric equation

An equation relating the thickness, h, between two isobaric surfaces to the mean virtual temperature of the layer:
HypsometricEqu.PNG
where z1 and z2 are geometric heights at pressure levels p1 and p2, respectively; Rd is the gas constant for dry air; Mean temp HypsometricEqu.PNG is the mean virtual temperature of the layer; and g is gravity.

The hypsometric equation is derived from the hydrostatic equation and the ideal gas law.

Reference:
Wallace, J. M., and P. V. Hobbs, 1977: Atmospheric Science: An Introductory Survey. Academic Press, 55–57.


term edited 9 December 2015

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