Question map
Which one of the following is a cold local wind?
Explanation
Local winds are categorized as either warm or cold based on their temperature relative to the regions they blow over. The Mistral is a well-known cold, dry wind that originates in the Alps and rushes down the Rhone Valley in southern France toward the Mediterranean Sea [1]. It is particularly intense during winter, often reaching freezing temperatures and causing violent gusts due to the funneling effect between the Alps and the Central Massif [1][3]. In contrast, the Chinook is a warm, dry wind that descends the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, often called the 'snow eater' [3]. The Santa Ana is a hot, dry wind occurring in Southern California, frequently associated with wildfires [3]. Similarly, the Loo is a scorching, dry summer wind prevalent in northern India and Pakistan, with temperatures reaching up to 50°C [3].
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Mistral > p. 323
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Loo > p. 322