Question

The rain shadow effect is used to describe rainfall around certain mountain ranges. Choose the correct statement.

• A. The northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere have the same prevailing winds
• B. Cool air can hold more moisture than warm air
• C. In the northern hemisphere, there is more rainfall on the eastern slopes
• D. You would expect deserts to form on the western side of mountain ranges in the northern hemisphere
• E. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (E)

None of the above

An area with relatively little precipitation due to the presence of mountain range is called as rainshadow. This barrier causes the prevailing winds to lose their moisture on the windward side of the mountain ranges thereby causing the leeward side to be dry. The rain shadow effect, therefore, brings in rainfall to certain mountain ranges while its other side is generally a dry desert area. The prevailing wing or the "trade winds" as they are called are located at 30° North and 30° South latitudes. The trade winds which are present in the Northern Hemisphere come from the northeast, and those in the Southern Hemisphere come from the southeast. The "Westerly winds" are located 30 and 60 degrees latitudes, and, in contrast to the trade winds, originate from the southwest in the Northern Hemisphere and originate from the northwest in the Southern Hemisphere