Just before sunset there was quite some drama in the Alps today. A weather phenomenon, what we call "foehn window" occured. The foehn is a type of dry, warm, down-slope wind that occurs in the lee (downwind side) of a mountain range. It is so strong, it opens up the clouds in a sharp outlined region and can raise temperatures by as much as 14 °C (25 °F) in just a matter of minutes. Central Europe enjoys a warmer climate due to the Foehn, as moist winds off the Mediterranean Sea blow over the Alps. This picture is captured from my place (where it was slightly raining) looking south, and the wind opened up one of those windows, just around the Eiger mountain. And the setting sun did the rest, and dyed the Eiger Northface in orange.
Regionally, these winds are known by many different names. As mentioned, in Switzerland, Austria, Northern Italy “foehn”, in South Africa “bergwind”, and “chinook winds” in the Rocky Mountains, the Cascade Range and the Chugach Mountains.
The glow highlights the interesting texture of the mountain so beautifully! And those colors...wow! I really enjoyed your commentary, and this dramatic image is a big FAV!
Absolutely unbelievable against black - Does need to be enlarged and framed! Very interesting reading about it - thanks for the background. I'd heard of Chinook winds but now I know what it means. The lighting is fabulous and the composition perfect. Fav