Downslope Winds

Though technically meaning any wind that flows downslope, a downslope wind (also known as a "katabatic" wind) usually represents wind with a higher magnitude than that of a mountain breeze. Typically, it is used to describe winds that move rapidly off a plateau into an adjoining valley. Like the Chinook, the air moves across the plateau and then warms adiabatically as it moves downward. If the air on the plateau is significantly denser than the air in the valley (because of temperature differences), then the denser air will rush downslope due to the pull of gravity (like water in a waterfall). Katabatic and Chinook winds are examples of mesoscale winds that are forced by terrain.