Question

In Italy the mountainous region of the Alps receives __________ of rainfall.

• A. 2000 mm
• B. 2500 mm
• C. 1000 mm
• D. 500 mm

Answer 1

The correct option is A 2000 mm

In Italy the mountainous region of the Alps receives 2000mm of rainfall.

The weather in the Alps: anything is possible. Nowhere the weather is more changeable than in the mountains. The Swiss Alps are the border between the cooler Northern European climate and the warmer Southern European climate. While the sun is shining in one valley it may be raining at the other side of the mountain.

Temperature extremes and annual precipitation are related to the physiography of the Alps. The valley bottoms clearly stand out because generally they are warmer and drier than the surrounding heights. In winter nearly all precipitation above 5,000 feet is in the form of snow, and depths from 10 to 33 feet or more are common. Snow cover lasts from approximately mid-November to the end of May at the 6,600-foot level, blocking the high mountain passes; nevertheless, relatively snowless winters can occur. Mean January temperatures on the valley floors range from 23° to 39° F (−5° to 4° C) to as high as 46° F (8° C) in the mountains bordering the Mediterranean, whereas mean July temperatures range between 59° and 75° F (15° and 24° C). Temperature inversions are frequent, especially during autumn and winter, and the valleys often fill with fog and stagnant air for days at a time. At those times the levels above 3,300 feet can be warmer and sunnier than the low-lying valley bottoms. Winds can play a prominent role in daily weather and microclimatic conditions.