You are on a boat in a fiord in Glacier Bay, Alaska. It is a clear sunny day with temperatures near 20°C with no wind. Within 5 minutes the sky is still clear but the wind is blowing at 30 knots down valley, the sea is filled with whitecaps, and the temperature drops to 5°C. What just happened?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The sudden change in weather conditions, with a strong wind blowing down valley and a drop in temperature, is most likely due to a valley wind. This occurs when cold air spills off an ice cap down the valley, creating strong winds and a rapid drop in temperature. A storm front passing would likely result in more dramatic changes and cloud cover. An afternoon sea breeze would not explain the sudden drop in temperature or the whitecaps on the sea. A Chinook wind is a specific type of warm wind that occurs on the leeward side of a mountain range and would not result in a drop in temperature.

You Are on a Boat in a Fiord in Glacier