The Following Figure Illustrates the Rain Shadow Effect

Multiple Choice

The following figure illustrates the rain shadow effect. What best explains why the leeward side of the mountain experiences less rainfall?

A) The air mass simply has no more moisture; it was all released on the windward slope.
B) The mountain range is too tall for the clouds to pass.
C) Cold air on the windward side causes the clouds to sink before they cross the mountain range.
D) The leeward side is so warm that the moisture falling from the clouds evaporates before it hits the ground.