Forks,Washington receives about 270 centimeters of rain per year.On the other side of the Olympic Mountains only 70 miles away,Sequim,Washington receives about 40 centimeters of rainfall per year.Both are close to major bodies of water and at the same elevation.What is the most likely reason for why there is such a large difference in rainfall between the two towns?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most likely reason for the large difference in rainfall between Forks and Sequim is that Sequim is in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. When moist air from the ocean hits the mountains, it rises and cools, causing the moisture to condense and fall as rain or snow on the windward side of the mountains. By the time the air reaches the other side of the mountains (the leeward side), it has lost most of its moisture, resulting in a drier climate. Sequim is on the leeward side of the Olympic Mountains, which explains why it receives much less rainfall than Forks.

Forks,Washington Receives About 270 Centimeters of Rain Per Year