The following figure illustrates the rain shadow effect.

What best explains why the leeward side of the mountain experiences less rainfall?
A) The air mass simply has no more moisture;it was all released on the windward slope.
B) The mountain range is too tall for the clouds to pass.
C) Cold air on the windward side causes the clouds to sink before they cross the mountain range.
D) The leeward side is so warm that the moisture falling from the clouds evaporates before it hits the ground.

Question

The following figure illustrates the rain shadow effect.

What best explains why the leeward side of the mountain experiences less rainfall?
A) The air mass simply has no more moisture;it was all released on the windward slope. 
B) The mountain range is too tall for the clouds to pass. 
C) Cold air on the windward side causes the clouds to sink before they cross the mountain range. 
D) The leeward side is so warm that the moisture falling from the clouds evaporates before it hits the ground.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As air rises up the windward side of the mountain, it cools and releases moisture in the form of precipitation. By the time the air reaches the leeward side, it has lost much of its moisture, leaving little left to create rainfall. Therefore, the leeward side typically experiences much drier conditions, which is the result of the rain shadow effect.

The Following Figure Illustrates the Rain Shadow Effect