Question

weather and climate
prevailing winds
b
mountains
15,000
12,000
9,000
6,000
3,000
elevation (feet)
0
(sea
level)
c
d
a
ocean
0 60 120 180 240 300 360 420 480 540
distance (miles)
source: current events, 1990
(adapted)
which area would be the warmest and driest?
a
c
b
d

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze Mountain Rain Shadow Effect

Prevailing winds carry moist air from the ocean (A). As air rises over mountains (B), it cools, condenses, and rains (windward side, A/B are moist). After crossing the mountain peak, the air descends on the leeward side (D), warms, and becomes dry (rain shadow effect). Areas A and B are windward (moist), C is a mountain pass, D is leeward.

Step2: Identify Warmest and Driest

Leeward side (D) has descending air, which warms adiabatically and loses moisture, making it warm and dry. A is near ocean (moist/cooler), B is high (cooler), C is a pass (not as dry as leeward D).

Answer:

D