What does katabatic mean?
Katabatic is an adjective describing a wind that moves downhill from higher ground toward lower ground. Such winds often develop when air over elevated terrain becomes cold and dense, causing it to flow down a slope under gravity. They are especially important in glaciated and mountainous regions, where they can be strong, persistent, and extremely cold. The opposite condition is anabatic, which describes an upslope wind. “Katabatic” is primarily a scientific term associated with meteorology, glaciology, and physical geography, although it is also encountered in descriptions of polar and alpine weather. It should not be used merely as a general synonym for any breeze that travels downward, because the term identifies a particular type of gravity-driven mountain wind.
adjectiveDenoting a wind that flows down a slope from higher ground to lower ground, typically because the air has become denser over the colder elevated terrain. Such winds are commonly associated with glaciated regions and mountain valleys.
- Relating to or describing a wind that descends from higher ground to lower ground.
"The hikers encountered a sudden katabatic wind as cold air poured down the valley."
"Glaciologists recorded unusually strong katabatic winds across the plateau."
"The valley fog formed as the ground cooled and a katabatic breeze settled into the lowlands."
Katabatic winds can turn a peaceful mountain valley into a sudden corridor of freezing, forceful air.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does katabatic come from?
Katabatic combines the combining form kata-, from Greek kata, meaning “down,” with batic, from the Greek root batēn, meaning “to go” or “to walk.” The adjective was developed in the early 20th century in the study of local mountain winds. Its antonym anabatic likewise uses the Greek prefix ana-, meaning “up,” to describe an upslope wind.
Related word forms
How katabatic is actually used
This is a technical term used chiefly in meteorology, climatology, glaciology, and mountain geography. It describes a wind direction and the downslope flow associated with it, rather than a general condition of descending air.
Easily confused with katabatic
A katabatic wind descends a slope, whereas anabatic wind ascends a slope as warmer air rises.