FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot (UAG)OperationsEasy
A remote pilot is conducting a sUAS inspection flight near a large body of water during the day. The local weather forecast predicts light winds. However, the pilot observes a consistent, localized wind blowing from the water towards the shore. What meteorological phenomenon is most likely causing this localized wind?
- AAnabatic wind
- BKatabatic wind
- CMountain wave
- DSea breeze
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Sea breeze
A sea breeze is a local wind system that occurs during the day due to differential heating rates between land and water. Land heats up faster than water, causing air over the land to rise and cooler, denser air from over the water to flow inland to replace it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Anabatic winds are upslope winds, typically during the day, caused by heating of terrain.
- B. Katabatic winds are downslope winds, typically at night, from elevated terrain.
- C. Mountain waves are associated with air flowing over mountains, not large bodies of water.
Sea Breeze
A local wind system caused by the differential heating of land and water, where cooler air from the sea moves inland during the day.
- Occurs during the day.
- Land heats faster than water.
- Cooler, denser air flows from water to land.
Memory trick: Sea breezes are 'So Cool' from the water 'Sailing' to shore.