diffusive equilibrium [dǝ`fyü·ziv ´ē·kwǝ`lib·rē·ǝm] METEOROLOGY The steady state resulting from the diffusion process, primarily of interest when external forces and sources and sinks exist within the field; in such a state the constituent gases of the atmosphere would be distributed independently of each other, the heavier decreasing more rapidly with height than the lighter; but the presence of turbulent mixing precludes establishment of complete diffusive equilibrium. |