What does potential density mean?

Definitions for potential density
po·ten·tial den·si·ty

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word potential density.

Wikipedia

  1. Potential density

    The potential density of a fluid parcel at pressure P {\displaystyle P} is the density that the parcel would acquire if adiabatically brought to a reference pressure P 0 {\displaystyle P_{0}} , often 1 bar (100 kPa). Whereas density changes with changing pressure, potential density of a fluid parcel is conserved as the pressure experienced by the parcel changes (provided no mixing with other parcels or net heat flux occurs). The concept is used in oceanography and (to a lesser extent) atmospheric science. Potential density is a dynamically important property: for static stability potential density must decrease upward. If it doesn't, a fluid parcel displaced upward finds itself lighter than its neighbors, and continues to move upward; similarly, a fluid parcel displaced downward would be heavier than its neighbors. This is true even if the density of the fluid decreases upward. In stable conditions (potential density decreasing upward) motion along surfaces of constant potential density (isopycnals) is energetically favored over flow across these surfaces (diapycnal flow), so most of the motion within a 3-D geophysical fluid takes place along these 2-D surfaces. In oceanography, the symbol ρ θ {\displaystyle \rho _{\theta }} is used to denote potential density, with the reference pressure P 0 {\displaystyle P_{0}} taken to be the pressure at the ocean surface. The corresponding potential density anomaly is denoted by σ θ = ρ θ − 1000 {\displaystyle \sigma _{\theta }=\rho _{\theta }-1000} kg/m3. Because the compressibility of seawater varies with salinity and temperature, the reference pressure must chosen to be near the actual pressure to keep the definition of potential density dynamically meaningful. Reference pressures are often chosen as a whole multiple of 100 bar; for water near a pressure of 400 bar (40 MPa), say, the reference pressure 400 bar would be used, and the potential density anomaly symbol would be written σ 4 {\displaystyle \sigma _{4}} . Surfaces of constant potential density (relative to and in the vicinity of a given reference pressure) are used in the analyses of ocean data and to construct models of ocean currents. Neutral density surfaces, defined using another variable called neutral density ( γ n {\displaystyle \gamma ^{n}} ), can be considered the continuous analog of these potential density surfaces.

How to pronounce potential density?

How to say potential density in sign language?

Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of potential density in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of potential density in Pythagorean Numerology is: 1

Translation

Find a translation for the potential density definition in other languages:

Select another language:

  • - Select -
  • 简体中文 (Chinese - Simplified)
  • 繁體中文 (Chinese - Traditional)
  • Español (Spanish)
  • Esperanto (Esperanto)
  • 日本語 (Japanese)
  • Português (Portuguese)
  • Deutsch (German)
  • العربية (Arabic)
  • Français (French)
  • Русский (Russian)
  • ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada)
  • 한국어 (Korean)
  • עברית (Hebrew)
  • Gaeilge (Irish)
  • Українська (Ukrainian)
  • اردو (Urdu)
  • Magyar (Hungarian)
  • मानक हिन्दी (Hindi)
  • Indonesia (Indonesian)
  • Italiano (Italian)
  • தமிழ் (Tamil)
  • Türkçe (Turkish)
  • తెలుగు (Telugu)
  • ภาษาไทย (Thai)
  • Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
  • Čeština (Czech)
  • Polski (Polish)
  • Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
  • Românește (Romanian)
  • Nederlands (Dutch)
  • Ελληνικά (Greek)
  • Latinum (Latin)
  • Svenska (Swedish)
  • Dansk (Danish)
  • Suomi (Finnish)
  • فارسی (Persian)
  • ייִדיש (Yiddish)
  • հայերեն (Armenian)
  • Norsk (Norwegian)
  • English (English)

Word of the Day

Would you like us to send you a FREE new word definition delivered to your inbox daily?

Please enter your email address:


Citation

Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"potential density." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 17 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/potential+density>.

Discuss these potential density definitions with the community:

0 Comments

    Are we missing a good definition for potential density? Don't keep it to yourself...

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant definitions for any word that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Browse Definitions.net

    Quiz

    Are you a words master?

    »
    in or of the month preceding the present one
    A butch
    B ultimo
    C contagious
    D extroversive

    Nearby & related entries:

    Alternative searches for potential density: