ON THE THEORY OF CROSS-VALLEY WINDS ARISING FROM DIFFERENTIAL HEATING OF THE SLOPES

Abstract

By means of equations of horizontal motion and astronomical considerations, expressions are derived for a cross-valley wind caused by differential solar heating on opposite slopes. Friction, inertia, the Coriolis force, the time of the day and year, the latitude and orientation of the valley, and the inclinations of the slopes are independent variables in these expressions. Absolute wind speeds cannot be determined by this theory, but directions and variations in speed may be studied. Several examples illustrating effects of the independent variables on the cross-valley wind are discussed, and a comparison of observation with theory is made for a specific valley.