katabatic wind
Definition
Noun: A katabatic wind is a wind that flows down a slope, such as a mountain or glacier, because it is denser and colder than the surrounding air. This downward motion is driven by gravity.
Usage
The term is used in meteorology and geography to describe a specific type of local wind system. It is typically a technical term.
Examples
- The cold, dense air from the ice cap creates a powerful katabatic wind that sweeps down to the coast.
- Sailors in the region are wary of the sudden, strong katabatic winds that can descend from the mountains.
- The study focused on measuring the speed and temperature of the katabatic wind flowing off the glacier.
Advanced Usage
- Drainage wind is another term for a katabatic wind, emphasizing how the cold air "drains" down from higher elevations.
- Katabatic winds can be gentle breezes or extremely strong, destructive gusts, such as the Bora in the Adriatic or the Mistral in France.
Variants and Related Words
- Anabatic wind (n): The opposite phenomenon; a wind that flows a slope, typically warmed by the sun.
- Fall wind (n): A synonym for katabatic wind.
- Gravity wind (n): A synonym highlighting the role of gravity in causing the wind.
Synonyms
- Downslope wind
- Fall wind
- Gravity wind
- Drainage wind
Antonyms
- Anabatic wind: An upslope wind.
Noun
-
a wind caused by the downward motion of cold air
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