How does orographic uplift create clouds? Why is there a rain shadow?

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Air flowing toward a hill or mountain will be deflected around and over the barrier. The upward displacement of air leads to adiabatic cooling and possible cloud formation. Downwind of a mountain ridge, on its leeward side, air descends the slope and warms by compression to create a rain shadow effect, an area of lower precipitation.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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The United Nations predicts that over the next 40 years global food production will need to increase ________ percent in order to prevent massive famine.

A. 90% B. 10% C. 30% D. 70%

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Utilizing the NRCS system, soils commonly found in arid, desert regions are called ____________________

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

What is the coastal process that creates longshore drift?

A. Wave refraction B. Wave attenuation C. Wave diffraction D. Wave dispersion

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Which of the following statements is not true about the Convention on Biological Diversity?

a. It has been ratified by 191 countries. b. It legally commits participating governments to reducing the rate of biodiversity loss. c. It focuses on ecosystems rather than individual species. d. It has been ratified by the United States. e. Implementation has been slow.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences