answersLogoWhite

0

as the thunder clouds rise to move over and past a mountain range, the density of the air changes. the moisture is too heavy for the less dense air and can not stay in the clouds anymore so rain drops precipitate.

by contrast, clouds in very dense air in the bottom of a valley can hold lots more moisture and thus prevent it from raining until the moisture content rises.

Humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the air and when its raining, it has to be 100% humidity because the air can no longer hold any more moisture, which is why its raining in the first place! they call this supersaturation.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Earth Science

What is it called when a mountain blocks the movement of moist air making one side of the mountain receive more rain than the other?

This is known as the rain shadow effect. As moist air is pushed up by the mountain, it cools and releases precipitation on the windward side, leaving the leeward side drier and creating a rain shadow.


How much rain can a valley get in a year?

The amount of rainfall a valley receives in a year can vary widely depending on its location and climate. Some valleys may receive only a few inches of rain per year, while others in more temperate regions may receive several feet of rain annually. Factors such as topography, proximity to bodies of water, and prevailing weather patterns all play a role in determining the amount of rainfall a valley receives.


What is the precipitation in the mountains?

The precipitation in the mountains can vary depending on the elevation and location. Generally, mountains tend to receive more precipitation compared to lower elevations due to orographic lifting, which occurs when moist air is forced to rise over the mountain range, leading to condensation and precipitation. This can result in higher amounts of rain or snow in mountainous regions.


Do rain shadows have clouds and rain?

Rain shadows occur when moist air rises over a mountain, causing precipitation on one side, leaving little moisture to the other side, resulting in a drier area called a rain shadow. While rain shadows can have clouds, they typically have minimal precipitation, so they receive less rain compared to the windward side of the mountain.


Why do cities on the opposite side of the mountain receive different amount of rain?

Cities on the opposite side of a mountain from prevailing winds tend to experience a rain shadow effect. As the air is forced to rise over the mountain, it cools and loses moisture, resulting in precipitation. By the time the air descends on the opposite side, it is dry and produces less rain.

Related Questions

What is it called when a mountain blocks the movement of moist air making one side of the mountain receive more rain than the other?

This is known as the rain shadow effect. As moist air is pushed up by the mountain, it cools and releases precipitation on the windward side, leaving the leeward side drier and creating a rain shadow.


Do most of the world receive More rain than snow?

The world DOES receive more rain than snow.


What is an example of a rain shadow?

Death Valley is a rain shadow desert in the U.S. It is in the rain shadow effect of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.


How much rain can a valley get in a year?

The amount of rainfall a valley receives in a year can vary widely depending on its location and climate. Some valleys may receive only a few inches of rain per year, while others in more temperate regions may receive several feet of rain annually. Factors such as topography, proximity to bodies of water, and prevailing weather patterns all play a role in determining the amount of rainfall a valley receives.


How did the climate of the Indus river valley change between 6000 BC and 2500 BC?

it receive less rain


Why might Sweden and Finland receives less rain than Norway?

Sweden and Finland receive less rain than Norway because they are located in the rain shadow of the Scandinavian mountain range. This mountain range blocks moisture-laden air masses coming from the west, resulting in less rainfall in the eastern regions of Sweden and Finland. Additionally, Norway's coastal location allows it to receive more moisture from the Atlantic Ocean, increasing its rainfall levels.


What is the precipitation in the mountains?

The precipitation in the mountains can vary depending on the elevation and location. Generally, mountains tend to receive more precipitation compared to lower elevations due to orographic lifting, which occurs when moist air is forced to rise over the mountain range, leading to condensation and precipitation. This can result in higher amounts of rain or snow in mountainous regions.


More rain falls on the side of a mountain range?

windward


Why mountain tops are affected more by the acid rain than the lower plains?

There is no indication that mountain tops are more affected by acid rain thean the lower areas. If the mountain is sufficiently high (like the Rockies) the top is barren rock with no plant or animal life to be harmed. Mountain tops, given their more vertical nature, have few lakes to harbour fish so no harm to fish occurs. Many mountains are made of non-carbonate rocks do even the chemical reaction of acid rain is minimal.


Do rain shadows have clouds and rain?

Rain shadows occur when moist air rises over a mountain, causing precipitation on one side, leaving little moisture to the other side, resulting in a drier area called a rain shadow. While rain shadows can have clouds, they typically have minimal precipitation, so they receive less rain compared to the windward side of the mountain.


Why does the Mohave Desert receive moisture?

Yes, it does rain in the Mojave. Precipitation can vary from less than three inches in Death Valley to more than 20 at Mount Charleston. The average is about 7 inches.


What location is dry due to the rain shadow effect?

Typically the lee side of a mountain is where the effect of a rain shadow occurs. As a cloud moves over a mountain, it drops precipitation and rises. By the time that cloud gets over the mountain-top to the other side of the mountain, it has much less moisture to drop - thus leaving the lee side of the mountain much dryer.