Geostrofistas

Geostrofistas is a term used in meteorology and geophysical fluid dynamics to describe researchers and practitioners who study geostrophic balance in large-scale flows. The core idea is the geostrophic balance in which the Coriolis force due to Earth's rotation is balanced by the horizontal pressure gradient, yielding characteristic wind and current patterns in the atmosphere and oceans.

Origin and usage: The word combines 'geostrophic' with the suffix '-istas', indicating a practitioner or advocate. It is most commonly found in Latin American and Iberian meteorological literature as a descriptive label for scholars who emphasize the geostrophic approximation in theory and teaching.

Practice and topics: Geostrofistas explore large-scale dynamics, geostrophic adjustment, and the limitations of the geostrophic approximation in regions with strong accelerations or near the equator. They use analytical methods from geophysical fluid dynamics, numerical modeling, and observational data to determine when geostrophic balance provides a valid framework and how departures affect forecasts and climate studies.

Relation to other concepts: The term is distinct from broader geophysical fluid dynamics or operational meteorology, as it signals a community or approach centered on the geostrophic framework and its educational and research implications.

Reception: The term is informal and regional rather than a formal scientific discipline. It denotes a perspective within meteorology rather than a separate field, and its usage varies by country and institution.