Which side of the mountain usually gets deserts and why?
A. leeward, because of sinking, dry air B. windward, because of sinking, moist air C. windward, because of rising, moist air D. leeward, because of rising, dry air
Much of airborne moisture falls as rain on the windward side of mountains. This often means that the land on the other side of the mountain (the leeward side) gets far less rain—an effect called a "rain shadow"—which often produces a desert.
The higher the mountain, the more pronounced the rain shadow effect is and the less likely rain will fall on the leeward side.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
D
Explanation:
Rain Shadow
Much of airborne moisture falls as rain on the windward side of mountains. This often means that the land on the other side of the mountain (the leeward side) gets far less rain—an effect called a "rain shadow"—which often produces a desert.
The higher the mountain, the more pronounced the rain shadow effect is and the less likely rain will fall on the leeward side.