How does the presence of mountains influence local wind patterns and precipitation, creating a "rain shadow" effect?

8 views 1 helpful Updated Jul 27, 2026
Appears in Class 8th
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Answer

When moist air encounters a mountain range, it is forced to rise. As it rises, it cools, and the moisture condenses, leading to clouds and heavy precipitation on the windward side of the mountain. As the now dry air descends on the leeward side, it warms up, suppressing cloud formation and creating a "rain shadow", a dry area with significantly less rainfall.

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