Effect of Altitude and Mountains on Climate

Why does the air temperature fall at higher altitudes?

• Air is less dense and molecules are spread farther apart

• Air is more humid at higher altitudes

• There is more sunlight at higher altitudes

• Air pressure increases with altitude

What is the rain shadow effect?

• A phenomenon where mountains block rain from reaching areas on the leeward side

• An effect where rain increases with altitude

• A type of weather pattern seen only in coastal regions

• A climate feature exclusive to tropical areas

How does a mountain range affect climate?

• By increasing the earth's gravitational pull in the area

• By producing more ozone in the atmosphere

• By altering temperature and precipitation patterns

• By decreasing the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground

What role do prevailing winds play in a rain shadow?

• They prevent any vegetation from growing on mountains

• They increase the temperature on the leeward side

• They carry moist air up the windward side, which loses moisture as it rises

• They bring heavy rainfall to the leeward side

What happens to the temperature at the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro compared to its base?

• It is much cooler at the peak

• The peak experiences tropical temperatures year-round

• The temperature is the same at the peak and the base

• It is warmer at the peak

What are the characteristics of the climate on the windward side of a mountain range?

• Constant snowfall year-round

• Less wind and more sunlight

• Drier and hotter

• Cooler and receives more precipitation

What are the characteristics of the climate on the leeward side of a mountain range?

• Colder with heavy snow

• Drier and less precipitation

• Humid with frequent thunderstorms

• High temperatures with dense vegetation

What does wind do as it goes up and over a mountain range?

• It reverses its direction

• It carries more oxygen

• It speeds up and gains heat

• It cools down and loses moisture

What are rain shadow deserts?

• Deserts that experience heavy rainfall seasonally

• Deserts that are artificially created

• Areas that receive little to no rain due to being on the leeward side of a mountain

• Deserts located only in polar regions

Why is the air denser at lower altitudes?

• Because of increased solar radiation

• Because of higher air pressure

• Because of lower temperatures

• Because of higher humidity levels