Breezes and Rain Shadow Effect

Front

What is the windward side of a mountain?

Back

The windward side of a mountain is the side that faces the prevailing winds, where air rises and cools, leading to condensation and precipitation.

Front

What is the leeward side of a mountain?

Back

The leeward side of a mountain is the side that is sheltered from the prevailing winds, where air descends and warms, resulting in drier conditions.

Front

What is a sea breeze?

Back

A sea breeze is a wind that blows from the ocean to the land, typically occurring during the day when the land heats up faster than the ocean.

Front

What is a land breeze?

Back

A land breeze is a wind that blows from the land to the ocean, usually occurring at night when the land cools faster than the ocean.

Front

How does temperature affect wind patterns?

Back

Temperature differences between land and water create pressure differences, leading to wind patterns such as sea breezes and land breezes.

Front

What role does elevation play in precipitation?

Back

Elevation affects precipitation patterns; as air rises over mountains, it cools and condenses, leading to more precipitation on the windward side.

Front

What is the rain shadow effect?

Back

The rain shadow effect occurs when moist air rises over a mountain range, loses moisture on the windward side, and creates dry conditions on the leeward side.

Front

What happens to air as it rises over a mountain?

Back

As air rises over a mountain, it cools, expands, and can lead to condensation and precipitation.

Front

What is the relationship between air pressure and wind?

Back

Wind is caused by differences in air pressure; air moves from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

Front

What factors influence local wind patterns?

Back

Local wind patterns are influenced by temperature differences, topography, and the presence of bodies of water.