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Natural Phenomena

Katabatic Wind

Climate and Weather Patterns

A drainage wind produced when dense, cold air near a high-elevation surface, such as a glacier, ice sheet or mountain slope, flows downhill under the pull of gravity toward lower ground, gaining speed as it descends through progressively narrower terrain. Katabatic winds reach their most extreme form over Antarctica, where cold air draining off the polar plateau toward the coast has been recorded at sustained speeds well over 150 kilometers per hour in certain coastal valleys, among the strongest surface winds on Earth.

Facts
Periodicity
Commonly observed at night in mountainous areas as cooled air near the surface flows downhill. 1
Scale
In coastal valleys of Antarctica and Greenland, katabatic winds blow well over hurricane force, reaching around 160 knots (300 km/h). 1
First Described
The term derives from the Ancient Greek katabasis, meaning descent. 1
Identification
Distinguishing Appearance
Because katabatic winds are descending, they tend to have low relative humidity. 1
Connections

Associated With

Bora (Wind), Natural Phenomena

The Bora of the Adriatic coast is a classic, frequently cited example of a katabatic wind, formed by cold dense air draining downslope under gravity from an elevated plateau.

Demonstrated By

McMurdo Dry Valleys, Ecosystems

Powerful katabatic winds draining off the polar ice sheet are what keep the McMurdo Dry Valleys free of snow and ice despite their Antarctic latitude.

Source Encyclopaedia Britannica
Sources
1. Katabatic wind, Wikipedia
  • Mechanism section
    This cooler air layer then flows down in the valley, producing the downslope wind that is easily observed at night in mountainous areas.
  • Impacts section
    Where these winds are concentrated into restricted areas in the coastal valleys, the winds blow well over hurricane force, reaching around 160 kn (300 km/h; 180 mph).
  • Lead section
    Ancient Greek κατάβασις (katábasis) 'descent'
  • Impacts section [distinguishing-appearance]
    Since the katabatic winds are descending, they tend to have a low relative humidity.
View the Source
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.Demonstrated By: McMurdo Dry ValleysView the Source
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