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The mountainous terrain surrounding Juneau Alaska causes large variations in average rainfall,snow and windspeeds. Oragraphic processes,ie- upslope flow ,funneling of winds and other orographic effects,common throughout all mountainous regions,are enhanced in and near Juneau by the citie's realitive nearness to the gulf of Alaska.Downtown Juneau receives over 80 inches of rainfall yearly while the airport less than 30 miles north receives less than 60 inches annually.Downtown Juneau,rainfall is increased on average because it lies in a region of upsloping winds ,which increase cloudcover and enhance rainfall.The airport,in contrast lies in a region generally prone to downsloping airflow,thus rainfall is decreased.

Juneau' mountainous topography also leands to interesting variations in windspeeds.A realitively small part of the city expeareances the infamous Taku winds.The Taku winds,which can reach hurricane intensity,are caused by north-northeasterly winds funneled through the Meadenhal valley which lies north of town.The Taku winds have been known to reach speeds of over 100 mph and last for three or more days! Reaserch concerning the geography and climate of SE Alaska is ongoing.

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13y ago

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