Dine's compensation
Encyclopedia
In meteorology
, Dine's compensation states that net mass convergence into a given column of air must be balanced by a net mass divergence from the same column of air. The implication is that rising air in the atmosphere must be balanced by equal sinking or subsiding air.
Dines compensation applies especially in mesoscale circulations (i.e. supercell
s) and in macroscale and mesoscale tropical circulations. For instance, it is not uncommon to see anti-cyclonic cirrus
outflow from a hurricane in visible satellite imagery.
Dines compensation applies differently in the mid-latitudes, as upper-level highs are not necessarily associated with surface lows. Jet streaks and other upper level features, however, can contribute or support lower level convergence/divergence.
Meteorology
Meteorology is the interdisciplinary scientific study of the atmosphere. Studies in the field stretch back millennia, though significant progress in meteorology did not occur until the 18th century. The 19th century saw breakthroughs occur after observing networks developed across several countries...
, Dine's compensation states that net mass convergence into a given column of air must be balanced by a net mass divergence from the same column of air. The implication is that rising air in the atmosphere must be balanced by equal sinking or subsiding air.
Dines compensation applies especially in mesoscale circulations (i.e. supercell
Supercell
A supercell is a thunderstorm that is characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone: a deep, continuously-rotating updraft. For this reason, these storms are sometimes referred to as rotating thunderstorms...
s) and in macroscale and mesoscale tropical circulations. For instance, it is not uncommon to see anti-cyclonic cirrus
Cirrus cloud
Cirrus clouds are atmospheric clouds generally characterized by thin, wispy strands, giving them their name from the Latin word cirrus meaning a ringlet or curling lock of hair...
outflow from a hurricane in visible satellite imagery.
Dines compensation applies differently in the mid-latitudes, as upper-level highs are not necessarily associated with surface lows. Jet streaks and other upper level features, however, can contribute or support lower level convergence/divergence.