6.ESS2.3 Factors that Effect Climate

Front

What is the rain shadow effect?

Back

The rain shadow effect is a phenomenon where one side of a mountain receives a significant amount of rainfall while the other side receives very little, due to the mountains blocking the passage of rain-producing weather systems.

Front

Define sea breeze.

Back

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

Front

What is a land breeze?

Back

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

Front

What is the windward side of a mountain?

Back

The windward side of a mountain is the side that faces the prevailing winds and receives more 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 and receives less precipitation.

Front

Explain how temperature differences cause sea breezes.

Back

During the day, the land heats up faster than the sea, causing the air above the land to rise and creating a low-pressure area. The cooler, denser air over the sea moves in to replace it, creating a sea breeze.

Front

What happens to warm, moist air as it rises over a mountain?

Back

As warm, moist air rises over a mountain, it cools and condenses, leading to precipitation on the windward side.

Front

What is a rain shadow?

Back

A rain shadow is a dry area on the leeward side of a mountain that receives little precipitation due to the mountain blocking the moist air.

Front

What is the primary cause of the lake effect?

Back

The lake effect occurs when cold air moves over warmer lake waters, picking up moisture and causing heavy snowfall on the downwind shores.

Front

How do mountains affect local climate?

Back

Mountains can create different climates on their windward and leeward sides, influencing precipitation patterns and temperature.