5.1.3. Orographic Precipitation

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is orographic precipitation?

   Hint

   Think about the relationship between mountains and rainfall.

2. 2.

   What is a rain shadow?

   Hint

   Where does the wind not go?

3. 3.

   What happens to moist air when it rises over a mountain?

   • It cools and rains
   • It heats up
   • It sinks

   Hint

   Recall what happens physically when air rises.

4. 4.

   True or False: The leeward side of a mountain typically receives more rainfall than the windward side.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider where the moisture goes.

5. 5.

   Calculate the potential rainfall in a region if 1000 mm fell on the windward side of the Western Ghats, and the rain shadow region received only 200 mm. Discuss why this difference might impact agriculture in both areas.

   Hint

   Think about how much water crops need to grow.

6. 6.

   Research and present a report on how climate change might be affecting patterns of orographic precipitation in the Western Ghats.

   Hint

   Consider how climate factors interact with geographical features.