Question

a mountainous region receives lush rainfall on the windward side and remains dry on the leeward side. which factor explains this? a) continentality b) elevation c) mountain barriers d) pressure and prevailing winds

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A (Continentality) relates to distance from water bodies affecting climate, not windward/leeward rainfall.
• Option B (Elevation) affects temperature and some precipitation patterns but not the windward - leeward contrast described here.
• Option C (Mountain barriers) cause orographic lift: moist air rises over mountains (windward side), cools, condenses, and rains. The leeward side gets dry air (rain shadow), which matches the scenario.
• Option D (Pressure and prevailing winds) is too general; the specific mechanism here is mountain barriers causing orographic precipitation.

Answer:

C. Mountain barriers