Understanding Landforms and Weather Patterns

The video tutorial explores how landforms, particularly mountains, interact with atmospheric elements like winds and clouds to influence weather patterns. It explains the rain shadow effect, where moist air from the ocean rises over mountains, causing precipitation on the ocean-facing side and creating dry conditions on the opposite side. The tutorial uses Mauna Loa as an example and discusses the environmental impacts of these interactions. Students are encouraged to apply this knowledge to understand why regions like Death Valley are arid.

What natural phenomenon helps to form rain shadows?

• Mountain ranges

• River valleys

• Ocean currents

• Volcanic eruptions

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What happens to air as it rises over a mountain?

• It cools and condenses, forming precipitation

• It warms and retains moisture

• It increases in humidity

• It becomes lighter and drier

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Which side of the mountain usually receives more rain?

• Both sides equally

• The summit of the mountain

• The side facing away from the ocean

• The side facing the ocean

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What causes the air to lose moisture as it moves over a mountain?

• Solar radiation

• Condensation and precipitation

• Decrease in temperature

• Increase in pressure

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What type of environment is typically found on the side of a mountain facing the ocean?

• Tundra

• Forest

• Desert

• Grassland

What is the primary characteristic of a rain shadow area?

• High humidity

• Abundant rainfall

• Cold temperatures

• Dry and arid conditions

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NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What effect does a mountain range have on the climate of the region behind it?

• It has no effect

• It creates a drier climate

• It increases precipitation

• It creates a wetter climate

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How does the vegetation differ between the sides of a mountain affected by a rain shadow?

• More vegetation on the ocean-facing side

• No vegetation on either side

• Equal vegetation on both sides

• More vegetation on the leeward side

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From which direction does the wind generally blow to create a rain shadow on Mauna Loa?

• From the south to the north

• From the north to the south

• From the west to the east

• From the east to the west

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Why is Death Valley so dry?

• It is located in a rain shadow

• It receives abundant ocean winds

• It is surrounded by low-lying plains

• It has high annual rainfall

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