In the Rocky Mountain Region of the United States, North-

Multiple Choice

In the Rocky Mountain region of the United States, north- facing slopes (downhill direction is toward the north) are typically more moist and heavily forested than south- facing slopes. Why?

A) North- facing slopes receive more sunlight in the summer; snow melts faster and more soil moisture is available for the trees.
B) South- facing slopes receive less moisture, yet rock weathering is faster.
C) South- facing slopes receive more moisture and sunlight; rock weathering is slower.
D) North- facing slopes receive about the same amount of precipitation as south- facing slopes; less moisture evaporates from north- facing slopes.