Author Question: What are the Chinook winds, and what is the impact of this unique Rocky Mountains wind system on ... (Read 52 times)

captainjonesify · **on:** Aug 7, 2018

What are the Chinook winds, and what is the impact of this unique Rocky Mountains wind system on local towns and cities?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why do ecosystems and related plant communities in the Rocky Mountains show evidence of altitudinal zonation while the Appalachian Mountains in eastern North America do not?

What will be an ideal response?

Jevvish · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 7, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Chinook winds are winds associated with very dry, warm air that descends from the mountains to the eastern foothills and plains, especially in winter. When shallow layers of cold air sit over the plains, strong westerly winds warmed by speedy descents from higher altitudes blanket the eastern portions of the mountains, bringing with them dramatic rises in temperature. Towns and cities located on front ranges commonly experience 20 to 30F (11 to 17C) increases in temperature with significant drops in humidity in short time periods. Students could mention Calgary, Alberta, that once experienced a 30F (17C) increase in four hours in the month of January.

Answer to Question 2

The simplest answer is height. The Appalachian Mountains average about 3000 feet in height with the highest peak at 6800 feet, whereas the Rocky Mountains can reach up to 14,500 feet with vegetation zones at 4000, 6000, 8000, 10,000, and 12,000 feet.