Question

which describes a way that prevailing winds control precipitation totals in a region?
they cause oceanic winds to carry water vapor.
they force cool, moist air from oceans to rise as it moves toward land.
they increase the occurrence of droughts in the winter.
they reduce rainfall on the leeward side of a mountain.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Oceanic winds naturally carry water vapor; prevailing winds don't "cause" this basic property.
• Option 2: Cool, moist air from oceans rises when it meets land - based obstacles (like mountains), not just because of prevailing winds moving it.
• Option 3: Prevailing winds don't specifically target increasing winter droughts. Their role in precipitation is more about moisture distribution.
• Option 4: Prevailing winds push moist air up a mountain (windward side, where it rains). On the leeward side, the air is drier (rain - shadow effect), so prevailing winds reduce rainfall there.

Answer:

They reduce rainfall on the leeward side of a mountain.