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geopotential height—The height of a given point in the atmosphere in units proportional to the potential energy of unit mass (geopotential) at this height relative to sea level. The relation, in SI units, between the geopotential height Z and the geometric height z is where g is the acceleration of gravity, so that the two heights are numerically interchangeable for most meteorological purposes. Also, one geopotential meter is equal to 0.98 dynamic meter. See dynamic height.