What is hydrostatic equilibrium, how is it affected by density, and what are its implications for air movement?

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Hydrostatic equilibrium: When the gravitational force exactly equals the vertical pressure gradient force in magnitude, no vertical acceleration occurs. When the gravitational force slightly exceeds the vertical pressure gradient force, downward motions result. Such downward motions are always very slow. On the other hand, the upward-directed pressure gradient force sometimes greatly exceeds the gravitational force, and updrafts in excess of 160 km/hr (100 mph) can develop. Such updrafts are associated with powerful thunderstorms.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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