Meteorology · Local Winds — Williwaw / Katabatic Gust
A williwaw, encountered in high-latitude mountainous coasts and fjords, is:
- AA gentle, steady trade wind
- BA sudden violent gust of cold air rushing down from highlands to the sea✓ Correct
- CA warm equatorial breeze
- DAn ocean current
Explanation
A williwaw is a sudden, fierce katabatic gust of cold dense air pouring down from snow- or ice-covered highlands into sheltered waters (e.g., Alaska, Patagonia, Aleutians). Such gusts can strike anchored or sailing vessels without warning, demanding good ground tackle and vigilance.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9); Sailing Directions
Practice the full Meteorology bank
Free spaced-repetition quizzing across 2550 USCG exam questions — it schedules your reviews so the ones you miss come back until they stick.
Related Meteorology questions
- Atmosphere & Pressure
Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately:
- Atmosphere & Pressure
One millibar (mb) is equal to:
- Atmosphere & Pressure
A barometer that is falling rapidly most likely indicates:
- Atmosphere & Pressure
On a surface weather chart, isobars spaced very close together indicate:
- Wind
By convention, a wind is named for:
- Wind
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects moving air: