The Impact of Rainshadow Effect on Climate and Geography

The video explains the rainshadow effect, using the Big Island of Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest as examples. It describes how mountains block moist air, causing rain on the windward side and dry conditions on the leeward side. The video details the mechanism of the effect, including evaporation, wind, and mountain interaction. It also highlights global examples and the impact on landscapes, such as the Channeled Scablands in Washington. The rainshadow effect is significant for understanding geological features and climate patterns.

What is the annual rainfall difference between the Hilo side and the Kona side of the Big Island?

• More than 100 inches

• Exactly 60 inches

• Less than 50 inches

• About 30 inches

Which state is known as the Evergreen State, yet has a significant rainshadow effect?

• Oregon

• California

• Hawaii

• Washington

What are the three essential elements needed for a rainshadow effect to occur?

• A lake, cold air, and a forest

• A river, high humidity, and a plateau

• An ocean, steady onshore winds, and a mountain range

• A desert, strong winds, and a valley

What happens to the air as it rises over a mountain in the rainshadow process?

• It descends immediately without any change

• It cools and releases moisture as rain

• It stays the same temperature and moisture level

• It becomes warmer and holds more moisture

What is the primary cause of the lush, green landscape on the windward side of a mountain?

• High temperatures

• Abundant sunlight

• Frequent rainfall

• Strong winds

Which of the following is NOT a region affected by the rainshadow effect?

• West of the Great Dividing Range

• East of the Sierra Nevada

• South of the Andes

• North of the Himalayas

How does the rainshadow effect influence the climate on the leeward side of a mountain?

• It becomes wetter and cooler

• It becomes more humid and foggy

• It becomes drier and warmer

• It remains unchanged

What natural event in 2014 was influenced by the rainshadow effect in the Pacific Northwest?

• A major earthquake

• A severe drought

• A volcanic eruption

• A massive landslide

What geological features in the Pacific Northwest have been shaped by the rainshadow effect?

• Coral reefs and atolls

• Sand dunes and beaches

• Sharp mountain peaks and landslides

• Canyons and mesas

Which mountain range in the Pacific Northwest creates a rainshadow effect?

• The Rockies

• The Sierra Nevada

• The Cascades

• The Appalachians