Question

the sierra nevada mountain range is located primarily in california. warm, moist air from the pacific ocean travels up the western side of the mountain range, causing precipitation, and drying out as it reaches the top of the mountains. as the dry air comes down the eastern side of the mountain range, it causes a rain shadow. the great basin region of nevada is located in this rain shadow. how does this affect the climate of the great basin region of nevada? a. the rain shadow effect causes the great basin region to have a very dry climate. b. the rain shadow effect causes frequent tomadoes in the great basin region. c. the rain shadow effect causes frequent flooding in the great basin region.

Explanation:

A rain shadow is an area with dry conditions due to mountains blocking moisture - laden air. When the air rises over the mountains (western side of Sierra Nevada), it cools and precipitates. By the time it descends on the eastern side (where the Great Basin is), it is dry. Tornadoes are related to different weather systems (like thunderstorm updrafts and wind shear), not rain shadows. Flooding would require excess moisture, which is the opposite of what a rain shadow does.

Answer:

A. The rain shadow effect causes the Great Basin region to have a very dry climate.