NC weather forum

Doing some research of Thermal Belts in North Carolina. This is a phenomena that occurs on the sides of mountains just above the valley floor (I believe). Has something to do with warm air rising and cold air sinking. Really, I am clueless about it, just doing some research to learn more about it. Anyone know more about the topic?

Here are a few good links:

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/copubs/178/

And a good map of where they occur in NC:

http://www.unc.edu/courses/2007ss2/geog/111/001/NCSynthesis/Thermal_Belts_Map.jpg