At 15-30°N, Air Masses Formed Over the Pacific Ocean Are

Multiple Choice

At 15-30°N, air masses formed over the Pacific Ocean are moved by prevailing westerlies, where they encounter extensive north-south mountain ranges over continents. Which statement best describes the result when an air mass encounters a landform?

A) The cool, moist Pacific air heats as it rises, releasing its precipitation as it passes the tops of the mountains. This now warm and dry air cools as it descends on the leeward side of the range.
B) The warm, moist Pacific air rises and cools, releasing precipitation as it moves up the windward side of the range. This now cool and dry air mass heats up as it descends on the leeward side of the range.
C) The cool, dry Pacific air heats up and picks up moisture from evaporation of the snowcapped peaks of the mountain range, releasing this moisture as precipitation when the air cools while descending on the leeward side of the range.
D) These air masses are blocked by the mountain ranges, producing high annual amounts of precipitation on the windward sides of these mountain ranges.