Local winds

Question 1

Mountain wave - cloud development

Answer 1

Fractocumulus clouds form in rotor zones if enough moisture is present, and lenticular clouds from in wave crests

Question 2

Mountain wave - wavelength

Answer 2

• Stronger winds increase the wavelength
• Gradual lee slope increases wavelength (however if the lee slope is too steep such as a cliff the descending air cant follow the contour and flow separation results this causes an eddy and wavelength will be longer than a steep lee slope)

Question 3

Mountain wave - amplitude

Answer 3

Higher mountains have greater amplitude potential. When a series of ridges obstructs the flow of air amplitude will be greatly increased if the distance between the ridges equals the wavelength. When these distances are smaller or greater the descending wave flow will meet rising ground causing successive waves to be dampened

Question 4

Mountain wave - icing areas

Answer 4

Within the clouds associated with wave peaks

Question 5

Mountain wave - turbulence area

Answer 5

Rotor zones and wind shear associated with a jet stream

Question 6

Mountain wave - heights of the friction layer

Answer 6

small scale obstructions can produce turbulence up to 20x times the height of the obstruction