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Rain Shadow Effect Practice 2023-24

Last updated about 2 years ago
7 questions
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

Title: Exploring the Rain Shadow Effect
Imagine you're standing at the base of a tall mountain range, ready to embark on an exciting adventure. You've probably noticed that some parts of the world are lush and green, while others are dry and arid. Why does this happen, and what's the secret behind these differences? It's time to dive into the fascinating world of the rain shadow effect!

Passage:
The rain shadow effect is a weather phenomenon that happens when moist air from an ocean or a large body of water meets a big mountain range. Here's how it works:

When the moist air hits the mountains, it's forced to go up, over the peaks. As the air rises, it cools down, and when the air cools, the air condenses and forms clouds and rain. This is why the side of the mountains where the moist air is coming from is often lush and green. It gets plenty of rain, making it a great place for plants and animals to thrive.

But what about the other side of the mountains, the side where the air is descending (going down)? This side is known as the "leeward side," and it's where the rain shadow effect comes into play. As the air descends, it warms up, and when it warms up, it dries out. That's why this side of the mountains gets very little rain, making it a dry and often desert-like place.
Now, let's explore this phenomenon further with some questions:
1

What is the rain shadow effect?

1

What happens to the moist air as it rises up a mountain range?

1

What is the "leeward side" of a mountain range?

1

Why is the windward side of a mountain range often lush and green?

1

What characterizes the leeward side of a mountain range affected by the rain shadow effect?

10

Categorize the following items as either describing windward or leeward side of the mountain.

  • Precipitation falls
  • Faces away from the wind
  • Climate is warmer and drier
  • The side that is facing the wind
  • A dry area on the side of a mountain
  • The side that is in the rain shadow
  • Climate is cooler and wetter
  • Much vegetation
  • Air rises
  • Air descends
  • Windward
  • Leeward
10
Drag and Drop the words and phrases where they belong on the diagram to complete the model of the rain shadow effect.
Other Answer Choices:
Clouds and rain
Air cools and condenses
Warmer
Windward
Moist air rising
Deserts
Leeward
Forests
Dry air sinking
Rain Shadow