How does mountains affect rainfall

M ountains can have a significant effect on rainfall. When air reaches the mountains, it is forced to rise over this barrier. As the air moves up the windward side of a mountain, it cools, and the volume decreases. As a result, humidity increases and orographic clouds and precipitation can develop.

Why do mountains receive more rainfall? They receive more rainfall than low lying areas because the temperature on top of mountains is lower than the temperature at sea level. Winds carry moist air over the land. When air reaches the mountain, it rises because the mountains are in the way. As a result, humidity increases and orographic clouds and precipitation can develop.

When the air descends the leeward side, it warms and is drier because the moisture in the air was wrung out during the ascent. This area with a lack of moisture is known as a rain shadow.

Rain Shadow Diagram. While this effect can occur near any mountain range, one of the more prominent areas where it can be observed is in the Sierra Nevadas.

Many times, these mountains can be snowcapped while just to the east Death Valley can be hot and dry. Below is a look at snow in the mountains from satellite.

Snow Observed in Mountains from Satellite. Green signifies moisture here while yellows and oranges show dryer air. You can see how relative humidity changes markedly from the west side of the mountains to the east side. Sierra Nevada Relative Humidity. Differences in plant and animal life exist between the leeward and windward sides of the mountains as well.

In the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin regions, for example, plant life varies significantly. He is a mortgage specialist with over 12 years of experience as well as an expert in financing, credit, budgeting and real estate.

Michael holds licenses in both real estate and life and health insurance. What Causes a Rain Shadow? How Does Fog Form? Hadley Cell Effects.

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