Mountains act as major climatic barriers with the sheltered or ________ side receiving less moisture than the exposed side.
A) windward
B) struck
C) leeward
D) Coriolis
E) north

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The leeward side of a mountain range is the side that is sheltered from prevailing winds and therefore receives less moisture than the windward side, which is exposed to the prevailing winds and receives more moisture. This is due to the orographic effect, which causes air to rise and cool on the windward side, leading to precipitation, and then to descend and warm on the leeward side, leading to drier conditions. Therefore, the best choice is C, leeward.

Mountains Act as Major Climatic Barriers with the Sheltered or ________