Seattle, Washington, on the west side of the Cascade Range, has a very wet climate.The Columbia River Basin, on the east side of the range, is very dry.This difference in climate results from
A) deforestation, in which the lack of forests on the east side results in lower rainfall.
B) a rain shadow, in which moisture rising up the mountains is released as rain or snow.
C) a rain shadow, in which moisture is released over cities rather than unpopulated areas.
D) a temperature inversion, in which hotter temperatures concentrate in the low-altitude basin.
E) a temperature inversion, in which cooler, denser air is trapped on the west side of the mountains.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This difference in climate is due to a rain shadow effect where moist air rising up the mountains on the west side is forced to release its moisture as rain or snow, leaving the air descending down the east side of the mountains very dry.

Seattle, Washington, on the West Side of the Cascade Range