Question

which of the following best explains why city b regularly receives less precipitation than city a?
air that is forced upward on the side of the mountain near city b leads to the formation of stratospheric clouds.
the urban heat island from city b causes a warmer climate that leads to reduced cloud formation.
the rain shadow effect causes city b to be drier because the mountain blocks precipitation from reaching the city.

Explanation:

The rain - shadow effect occurs when a mountain range blocks the passage of moisture - laden air. As air rises over the mountain on the windward side (near City A), it cools and condenses, leading to precipitation. By the time the air descends on the leeward side (near City B), it is dry, resulting in less precipitation for City B.

Answer:

The rain shadow effect causes City B to be drier because the mountain blocks precipitation from reaching the city.