The Sierra Nevada Mountains run north and south through California.Storms track from the west to the east.Which side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains will experience a rain shadow?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rain shadow effect occurs on the east side of a mountain range because as air masses move from the west to the east, they rise as they encounter the mountain range creating precipitation on the windward side, but then as they descend on the leeward side, the air mass warms and dries out, creating a rain shadow on the east side of the mountain range. Therefore, the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains will experience a rain shadow.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains Run North and South Through California