Question

In orographic rainfall which side of the mountain ranges get the maximum rainfall?
A) Leeward Side
B) Windward Side
C) Both sides of the mountains get equal rainfall
D) No effect of mountains on rainfall

Answer 1

Hint: Orographic precipitation is defined as snow, rain, or other precipitation that is formed when moist air is lifted as it moves over a series of mountains. As the air rises and cools, terrain clouds form and act as a source of precipitation, most of which fall with the wind on the ridge.

Complete answer:
When air flows into the mountain, the side of the mountain first encountered is called the windward side. The air here is forced to rise, and this side of the mountain often receives the heaviest rainfall. Due to the obstruction of mountains, topographic precipitation occurred. As obstacles and altitude rise, the clouds lose moisture in the form of rain, so more rain will fall on the windward side of the mountain; after crossing the mountain, the amount of steam in the air decreases and the air's moisture retention capacity increases. There is less rainfall on the leeward side of the mountain, so this area is identified as a rain shadow area.

One caveat about the concepts of "windward" and "leeward" is that although most snow can form on the windward side when the wind blows snowflakes away from the windward side, you can still find the powder side on the upper leeward side of the mountain that can blow to the back.

Thus, the correct answer is option ‘B’.

Note: In the case of isolated mountain peaks, the terrain cloud usually takes the form of a collar surrounding the mountain peak or a brim covering the top of the mountain, both of which are quite symmetrical. These clouds produce little or no precipitation.