A pressure gradient is defined as the rate of pressure change in a certain direction. It indicates how much the pressure changes over a specific distance and is a crucial concept in various fields such as meteorology, fluid dynamics, and engineering.
In simpler terms, the pressure gradient shows how pressure varies in a fluid (like air or water) as you move from one point to another. A steep pressure gradient means a rapid change in pressure over a short distance, while a gentle pressure gradient indicates a gradual change.
Understanding pressure gradients is essential because they drive many important processes. For example, in weather systems, high-pressure areas push air towards low-pressure areas, creating wind. In engineering, pressure gradients can affect fluid flow in pipes and channels, which is vital for designing safe and efficient systems.