Chapter 31, Problem 16RQ

To determine

Whether a rain shadow occur on the windward side of a mountain range or the leeward side.

Answer to Problem 16RQ

The rain shadow occurs on the leeward side of the mountain range.

Explanation of Solution

Rain shadow is the region where the weather system is unable to produce rain. This dry region lies on the leeward side of the mountain range.

The mountains allow the rain-producing weather system to produce rain at the windward side of the mountains and it blocks them on the leeward side. Due to which, the leeward side remains dry and warm air is allowed to descend in this region and get more warmth due to adiabatic compression.

The orthographic lifting of air and condensation of water vapor after attaining some height and reaches to their dew point temperature and form the clouds that precipitate in the windward region. While the other side, that is, the leeward side, remains dry and rain shadow occurs in this region of the mountain range.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the rain shadow occurs on the leeward side of the mountain range.