MLchartDataset catalogue

Kelvin-Helmholtz wave

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-010582

  1. A wave generated by Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, occurring at the interface between two fluid layers with different velocities and densities. In the atmosphere, these waves are often observed as breaking wave patterns in clouds, indicating strong wind shear. They contribute to atmospheric turbulence and vertical mixing.

  2. Vertical waves in the air associated with wind shear across statically-stable regions. Can appear as breaking waves and as braided patterns in radar images and cloud photos.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-010582
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
ReferencesNWS Glossary
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-010582",
  "term": "Kelvin-Helmholtz wave",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A wave generated by Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, occurring at the interface between two fluid layers with different velocities and densities. In the atmosphere, these waves are often observed as breaking wave patterns in clouds, indicating strong wind shear. They contribute to atmospheric turbulence and vertical mixing.",
    "Vertical waves in the air associated with wind shear across statically-stable regions. Can appear as breaking waves and as braided patterns in radar images and cloud photos."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/kelvin-helmholtz-wave/"
}

Record 5,310 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.