Katabatic winds are cold, dense winds that flow down slopes, typically found in mountainous or polar regions. They occur when air at higher elevations cools and becomes heavier, causing it to descend rapidly. This process can lead to strong gusts of wind at lower altitudes, often affecting local weather conditions. These winds are particularly common in areas like Antarctica and Greenland, where the temperature differences between the highlands and valleys are significant. Katabatic winds can influence snow and ice melt, as well as impact wildlife and human activities in these regions.