Piteraq

A piteraq is a cold katabatic wind which originates on the Greenlandic icecap and sweeps down the east coast. The word "piteraq" means "that which attacks you" in the local language.[1] Piteraqs are most common in the autumn and winter. Wind speeds typically reach 50 to 80 m/s (180-288 km/h; 111-178 mph). On February 6, 1970 the community of Tasiilaq was hit by the worst documented piteraq ever in Greenland (estimated at 90 m/s) causing severe damage.[2] Since the beginning of 1970 special piteraq warnings are issued by the Danish Meteorological Institute.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Danish Meteorological Institute, The Observed Climate of Greenland, 1958-99, p. 96
  2. ↑ ibid., pp. 96-98
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