Geography • Physical GeographyMedium
In the context of climatology, 'Katabatic winds' refer to which of the following?
A. Warm, dry winds descending down the leeward side of a mountain range
B. Moist winds blowing from sea to land during the afternoon
C. Drainage winds carrying cold, dense air down a slope under the influence of gravity✓ Correct Answer
D. High-altitude geostrophic winds blowing parallel to isobars
💡 Solution & Explanation
Katabatic winds denote gravity-driven drainage flows where cold, dense air descends down mountain slopes or elevated ice sheets under the influence of gravity. Alternative options like foehn or chinook winds describe warm, dry adiabatic winds blowing down leeward mountain sides. These cold winds are frequently observed over the large ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica during clear nocturnal conditions. They contrast with anabatic winds which blow uphill during daytime heating.
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