Explain why the surface air on the leeward side of a mountain can be drier than the surface air on the windward side. What is this effect called? Can you think of a location in the United States where this might actually occur??
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ANSWER: ?Air descending a mountain warms by compressional heating and, upon reaching the surface, can be much warmer than the air at the same level on the windward side, especially when condensation occurs and latent heat is released on the windward side. In addition, air on the leeward side of a mountain is normally drier (has a lower dew point) than the air on the windward side because water in the form of clouds and precipitation often remains on the windward side. The lower dew point and higher air temperature on the leeward side produce a lower relative humidity, a greater potential for evaporation of water, and a rain shadow desert. This scenario can be found in the Rocky Mountain Region (e.g. Colorado) of the United States. Colorado's Front Range tends to be both warmer and drier than areas of equivalent altitude on the Western Slope.
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