Meteorology · Local Winds — Foehn / Chinook
A foehn (or Chinook) wind is:
- AA warm, dry wind descending the lee side of a mountain range, warming by compression✓ Correct
- BA cold sea fog
- CA wind that only blows at night offshore
- DA tropical monsoon
Explanation
As air is forced over mountains it cools and loses moisture; descending the lee side it warms by compression, arriving warm and dry (foehn/Chinook). Mariners near mountainous coasts may meet sudden warm, gusty offshore winds and rapidly changing conditions in the lee.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9); WMO
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