The Sierra Nevada Contains a Region of Sparse Rainfall on Its

Question

The Sierra Nevada contains a region of sparse rainfall on its leeward side due to ________  
A) coastal breezes carrying the rain away.
B) the dense forest absorbing all the rain.
C) global warming
D) a rain barrier
E) the air losing moisture as it rises in altitude

Accepted Answer

The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range that causes air to rise, which leads to cooling and condensation of water vapor, resulting in precipitation on the windward side of the range. However, as the air descends on the leeward side, it warms and dries out, leading to a region of sparse rainfall, known as a rain shadow. This process is called adiabatic warming and cooling, where the air loses moisture as it rises in altitude, leading to lower humidity and less rain on the leeward side.