Foehn wind environment with strong and gusty winds. Explanations of the foehn warming and drying effect in popular literature or on the web often single out just one causal mechanism (#1 - Condensation and Precipitation - in the below), but there are in fact four known causes (illustrated in the schematic at top right of this page). These mechanisms often act together, with their contributions varying depending on the size and shape of the mountain barrier and on the meteorological conditions, for example the upstream wind speed, temperature and humidity. 1) Condensation and precipitation: When air is forced upwards over elevated terrain,
Whiteout (weather) Whiteout (weather) Whiteout is a weather condition in which visibility and contrast are severely reduced by snow or sand. The horizon disappears from view while the sky and landscape appear featureless, leaving no points of visual reference by which to navigate. Whiteout has been defined as: "A condition of diffuse light when no shadows are cast, due to a continuous white cloud layer appearing to merge with the white snow surface. No surface irregularities of the snow are visible, but a dark object may be clearly seen. There is no visible horizon." A whiteout may be due simply to extremely