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Mountain Meteorology: Cold Air Damming

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Cold air damming (CAD) occurs when cold, stable air becomes topographically blocked by relatively long, continuous mountain ranges. The cold air becomes rotationally trapped against the mountain to form a pressure wedge and low-level jet parallel to the barrier. The cold dome can be further modified by diabatic processes within the planetary boundary layer. This article summarizes the structure and evolution of CAD. The large-scale flow patterns associated with CAD are highlighted, with particular emphasis on the Appalachian Mountains and Rocky Mountains. Finally, some of the societal impacts and forecast challenges are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Atmospheric Sciences
PublisherElsevier
PagesV1:681-V1:690
ISBN (Electronic)9780323960267
ISBN (Print)9780323958219
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2025

Keywords

  • Antitriptic balance
  • Baker ridge
  • Barrier jet
  • Coastal front
  • Cold surge
  • Froude number
  • Geostrophic adjustment
  • Marine surge
  • Rossby radius
  • Rotationally trapped phenomena
  • Scale analysis
  • Terrain blocking
  • Terrain channeling
  • Wedge ridge

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