Concerning the Limiting Behavior of Time-dependent Slope Winds

Abstract

Some controversy has developed concerning the results of analytical katabatic-flow models, which appear to show that slope flows become infinite for zero slope angles and adiabatic lapse rates. It is shown that in the limits of zero slope angles and adiabatic conditions an indeterminate form is on hand, and the application of L'Hôpital's rule is in order. Application of the rule results in limiting cases that agree with physical expectations and the original slope-flow model evaluated for a zero slope or adiabatic lapse rate.