TNPSC Thervupettagam

Himalayan Katabatic Winds

December 19 , 2023 346 days 587 0
  • Scientists have noted that when high temperatures hit high-altitude ice masses, ‘katabatic’ winds are triggered that blow cold air to lower-altitude areas.
  • A temperature gap is created between the air flowing above the mountains and the cooler air directly in contact with ice masses.
  • This leads to an increase in turbulent heat exchange at the glacier’s surface and stronger cooling of the surface air mass.
  • As the warm air gets cooler and denser, it sinks, triggering the katabatic winds in neighbouring areas down the slope.
  • While this phenomenon may slow down the effects of global warming in some areas, its sustainability is not guaranteed over the coming decades.

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