Katabatic wind
Overview
A katabatic wind is a downslope flow of cold, dense air driven by gravity. It occurs in mountain, glacier, and desert environments where air cools and accelerates downhill.
Key points
- Forms when cold air becomes denser than surrounding air and flows downslope.
- Common near glaciers, high plateaus, and nighttime mountain terrain.
- Can produce strong gusts that affect camping safety and shelter stability.
- Often stronger at night due to radiative cooling.
- Local geography influences wind intensity and direction.
- Hikers must consider its effects when choosing campsites.
Details
Katabatic winds develop when air near the ground cools rapidly, increasing density and causing it to slide down valleys or slopes under the influence of gravity. These winds are most pronounced in snow-covered or high-elevation areas but can also occur in desert basins during nighttime cooling.
For hikers, katabatic winds can create unexpectedly strong gusts that strain shelters, increase wind chill, or complicate exposed ridge travel. Selecting protected campsites in tree cover or behind natural terrain features helps mitigate exposure.
Because katabatic winds often intensify after sunset, awareness of local topography assists in predicting nighttime conditions.
Related topics
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