What causes climate and weather?

Prevailing Winds

 

Winds have a strong effect on the precipitation
of a region. When air is forced to rise, as it is
when winds blow up against a mountain range,
it cools rapidly and the water vapor in the air
condenses to form a cloud. If there is enough
moisture present, it will rain.







However, as the air descends on the
other side of the mountain
(the leeward side), it warms and dries,
resulting in reduced rainfall.









Next page   -> prevailing winds and mountains, continued

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