Rossby number
= Rossby number
{c}
{title2=$\operatorname{Ro}$}
{wiki}
The Rossby number compares inertial acceleration with <Coriolis acceleration>. For speed $U$, horizontal length $L$, and <Coriolis parameter> $f$, it is $\operatorname{Ro}=U/(|f|L)$. Small Rossby number supports <geostrophic balance> and the <quasi-geostrophic approximation>.