In mountainous regions, which side tends to be wetter?

In mountainous regions, which side tends to be wetter?

• A. The windward side receives less precipitation; the leeward side is drier.
• B. The windward side receives equal precipitation.
• C. The windward side receives more precipitation; the leeward side is drier.
• D. Mountains do not affect precipitation.

Answer: (C)

When moist air is pushed up a mountain by prevailing winds, it rises, cools, and water vapor condenses into rain on the windward side. As the air then descends on the opposite, leeward side, it warms and dries, reducing condensation and rainfall. This creates a rain shadow effect, so the windward side tends to be wetter while the leeward side is drier. For example, the western slopes facing moist air often get abundant rainfall, while the eastern side in the shadow of the range remains much drier.

When moist air is pushed up a mountain by prevailing winds, it rises, cools, and water vapor condenses into rain on the windward side. As the air then descends on the opposite, leeward side, it warms and dries, reducing condensation and rainfall. This creates a rain shadow effect, so the windward side tends to be wetter while the leeward side is drier. For example, the western slopes facing moist air often get abundant rainfall, while the eastern side in the shadow of the range remains much drier.