Geopotential Surface
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Geopotential Surface
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A surface of constant geopotential, i.e., a surface along which a particle
of matter could move without undergoing any changes in its potential
energy. Also called equigeopotential surface, level surface.
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Geopotential surfaces almost coincide with surfaces of constant
geometric height. Because of the poleward increase of the acceleration of
gravity along a constant geometric-height surface, a given geopotential
surface has a small geometric-height over the poles than over the equator. See
potential,
geopotential
height, dynamic
height.
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References
This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use
