What is a Deformation Band?

What is a Deformation Band?

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Story Published: Dec 15, 2002 at 10:01 PM PST

Story Updated: Mar 13, 2008 at 12:13 PM PST

By Steve Pool

SEATTLE - Although it sounds like it belongs over at the EMP, A deformation band is just one more way it can rain around the Pacific Northwest.

It happens when there's an area of low pressure well north of the area, and an area of low pressure well south of the area.

Since air wants to head toward lower pressure, you have some air being pulled north, and some being pulled south. The void left behind creates a vacuum of sorts, pulling up air from near the ground to replace it.

As that air rises, it condenses, bringing clouds and rain. Deformation bands tend to bring a steady, yet light-to-moderate rain.

It can bring rain for a good 6-18 hours straight, even with no organized rain systems around for hundreds of miles.

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