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 pilot observes a noticeable change in wind direction and speed, with winds now blowing from the water towards the land. What atmospheric phenomenon is the pilot most likely experiencing?
- ASea breeze
- BAnabatic wind
- CMountain wave
- DKatabatic wind
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Sea breeze
A sea breeze is a local wind system that develops during the day when the land heats up faster than the adjacent body of water. The warmer air over land rises, creating an area of lower pressure, and the cooler, denser air from over the water flows in to replace it, resulting in a wind blowing from the sea towards the land.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Anabatic winds are upslope winds, typically warm and flowing up slopes during the day.
- C. Mountain waves are associated with air flowing over mountainous terrain, not typically large bodies of water.
- D. Katabatic winds are downslope winds, typically cold and flowing off elevated terrains at night.
Sea Breeze
A local wind system that develops during the day due to the differential heating of land and water, causing cooler air from the water to flow inland.
- Occurs during the day.
- Land heats faster than water.
- Wind blows from water to land.
Memory trick: Breezes are local, 'sea' to land, 'mountain' over hills.