Katabatic winds develop because
A)in coastal regions, hot air rises over the land and flows aloft, allowing cool coastal winds to blow landward.
B)in the winter, lakes provide moisture and heat to the atmosphere, generating winds that flow landward.
C)the air above an ice sheet becomes cold and dense and flows downslope off of the ice sheet, producing winds.
D)winds blow across mountain ranges if higher pressure is persistent on the windward side than on the leeward side.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Katabatic winds are downslope winds that flow off of an elevated surface, such as an ice sheet or continental plateau. The air above the surface cools, becomes denser, and flows downhill due to gravity, creating the wind. This process is particularly effective in regions where the air is already cold and dry, such as at high latitudes, and can result in strong and persistent winds. Options A and B describe other types of winds, while Option D describes a different process that generates winds over mountain ranges.

Katabatic Winds Develop Because