METEOROLOGY – WIND CALCULATOR
Chinook Warming Rate
A precise tool.
What is the Chinook Warming Rate & How does it work?
Chinooks are strong, warm, and gusty downslope winds that occur in mountainous regions. They are caused by air masses moving down a slope, warming as they descend due to adiabatic heating.
The rate of warming can be calculated using the adiabatic lapse rate for dry air, which is approximately 10°C per kilometer of descent. This means that for every kilometer the wind descends, its temperature increases by about 10 degrees Celsius.
Delta T = gamma cdot h
Delta T = change in temperature (°C)
gamma = adiabatic lapse rate (10°C/km)
h = elevation drop (km)
gamma = adiabatic lapse rate (10°C/km)
h = elevation drop (km)
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chinook wind?
A Chinook wind is a strong, warm, and gusty downslope wind that occurs in mountainous regions due to air masses descending and warming.
How is the temperature change of a Chinook wind calculated?
The temperature change of a Chinook wind can be calculated using the adiabatic lapse rate for dry air, which is approximately 10°C per kilometer of descent.
What does the adiabatic lapse rate represent?
The adiabatic lapse rate represents the rate at which temperature decreases with an increase in altitude in a dry atmosphere, typically around 10°C per kilometer.
How can I use this calculator to find the warming rate of a Chinook wind?
Input the height (in kilometers) that the air mass descends into the calculator to determine the temperature increase in degrees Celsius.
What factors can affect the actual temperature change of a Chinook wind?
Factors such as humidity, wind speed, and the specific path of descent can affect the actual temperature change of a Chinook wind.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.