Rain Shadow Effect

Rain Shadow Effect

A rain shadow is the dry area of land caused by mountains blocking moisture from large bodies of water.

How does it work?

As it travels up the mountain, the air cools to a point below the dew point.

The moisture in the air condenses and rain falls.

How does it work?

The air passes over the mountain range and begins to descend.

The descending side of a mountain range is called the leeward side.

How does it work?

As the air comes down the leeward side, it warms and expands.

This warmth and expansion reduces the possibility of precipitation (rain).

The effect itself...

Orographic lifting or the rain shadow effect is a fascinating process that occurs naturally.

It keeps the windward side of mountain ranges lush with lots of vegetation and moisture, but the leeward sides are arid deserts.

Multiple Choice

The windward side of the mountain is..

• dry with little vegetation

• wet with lots of plants

Multiple Choice

The leeward side of the mountain is...

• right next to the ocean and received lots of rain.

• on the side of the mountain away from the ocean and is dry.

Multiple Choice

What landform causes a rain shadow?

• grassland

• bay

• mountain

Open Ended

Give an example of some of the earth's spheres that are interacting during the rain shadow effect.