MadSci Network: Earth Sciences
Query:

Subject: Why and how does wind accelerate as it flows over a mountain or ridge?

Date: Tue Mar 9 11:53:30 1999
Posted by Dave Thurlow
Grade level: nonaligned School: Mount Washington Observatory
City: North Conway State/Province: NH Country: US
Area of science: Earth Sciences
ID: 921002010.Es
Message:

An analogy we use here to explain the acceleration of wind over a 
mountain, is that of putting one's finger over the end of a 
garden hose thus accelerating the water as it passes through the 
constriction.  Does this hold water when describing orographic 
effects? Is it accurate to compare the atmosphere to a hose and 
the mountain to the thumb? It seems possible that the 
acceleration of air could lower the static atmospheric pressure 
near the mountain as well.  And to sneak in a follow up.. does 
the force of the wind decrease with elevation give constant 
velocity?

Thank you



Re: Why and how does wind accelerate as it flows over a mountain or ridge?

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