Question map
Which one among the following statements regarding Chinook winds is not correct?
Explanation
Chinook winds are warm, dry local winds that originate from the Pacific Ocean and cross the Rocky Mountains [1]. As these westerly winds ascend the windward side of the Rockies, they lose their moisture through precipitation. By the time they descend the leeward (eastern) slopes into the Canadian and American Prairies, they have become hot and dry due to adiabatic warming [1]. Consequently, they do not bring rainfall to the Prairies; instead, they are known as 'snow eaters' because they rapidly melt and sublimate snow cover [1]. These winds are highly beneficial to agriculture and ranching because they clear grasslands for winter grazing and warm the soil, which aids wheat cultivation and prevents prolonged frost [1]. Therefore, the statement that they bring rainfall to the Prairies is incorrect.
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Chinook (Snow Eaters) > p. 323