The Rossby number (Ro) is a dimensionless number that measures the relative importance of inertial forces compared to Coriolis forces in a rotating system, such as the Earth's atmosphere or ocean. It is named after the American meteorologist Carl-Gustav Rossby. The Rossby number is typically defined as: \[ Ro = \frac{U}{fL} \] Where: - \(U\) is a characteristic velocity scale of the flow (e.g., wind speed).
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The Rossby number compares inertial acceleration with Coriolis acceleration. For speed , horizontal length , and Coriolis parameter , it is . Small Rossby number supports geostrophic balance and the quasi-geostrophic approximation.