Billow wave
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-003908
An atmospheric wave characterized by a series of parallel, cresting rolls that form at the interface between two fluid layers with different densities and relative velocities. These waves, also known as Kelvin-Helmholtz waves, develop when the shear across the interface is strong enough to overcome stabilizing forces. They are often made visible by clouds that form in the crests of the waves, indicating regions of upward motion.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-003908 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-003908",
"term": "Billow wave",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definition": "An atmospheric wave characterized by a series of parallel, cresting rolls that form at the interface between two fluid layers with different densities and relative velocities. These waves, also known as Kelvin-Helmholtz waves, develop when the shear across the interface is strong enough to overcome stabilizing forces. They are often made visible by clouds that form in the crests of the waves, indicating regions of upward motion.",
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/billow-wave/"
}
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