Rossby parameter

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The Rossby parameter is a number used in geophysics and meteorology which arises due to the northward variation of the Coriolis force caused by the spherical shape of the Earth. It is important in the generation of Rossby waves.

The Rossby parameter β is given by the equation:


\beta = \frac{1}{a} \frac{d}{d\phi} (2 \omega sin\phi) = \frac{2\omega cos\phi}{a}


Where φ is the latitude, ω is the angular speed of the Earth's rotation, and a is the mean radius of the Earth.

Although both involve Coriolis effects, the Rossby parameter describes the variation of the effects with latitude (hence the latitudinal derivative), and should not be confused with the Rossby number.

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