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What is orographic precipitation How is it produced and what role does it play in creating a rain shadow?
Orographic precipitation stems from air flowing over high terrain, usually a mountain range, along which air is forced upward. The most common fog type is one formed from evaporation of water into the sky. Radiation fogs develop in valleys because of downslope air drainage. Water vapor is visible to the human eye.
Where is orographic precipitation most common?
Orographic precipitation is well known on oceanic islands, such as the Hawaiian Islands or New Zealand, where much of the rainfall received on an island is on the windward side, and the leeward side tends to be quite dry, almost desert-like, by comparison.
What happens during orographic precipitation?
Orographic precipitation, rain, snow, or other precipitation produced when moist air is lifted as it moves over a mountain range. As the air rises and cools, orographic clouds form and serve as the source of the precipitation, most of which falls upwind of the mountain ridge.
What is the orographic effect?
The orographic effect occurs when air masses are forced to flow over high topography. As air rises over mountains, it cools and water vapor condenses. As a result, it is common for rain to be concentrated on the windward side of mountains, and for rainfall to increase with elevation in the direction of storm tracks.
Where does the precipitation of an orographic cloud come from?
Written By: Orographic precipitation, rain, snow, or other precipitation produced when moist air is lifted as it moves over a mountain range. As the air rises and cools, orographic clouds form and serve as the source of the precipitation, most of which falls upwind of the mountain ridge.
Where does orographic precipitation occur in the UK?
Another region distinguished for orographic precipitation is the Pennine Mountain range in northern England. Manchester on the west of the Pennines receives more rain then Leeds on the east, which receives less due to a rain shadow of 12 miles from the mountains. What Is Orographic Precipitation?
What is the role of orography in precipitation?
Orography, or elevated terrain, plays a vital role in the type, intensity and duration of precipitation. Studies have shown that the width of the land barrier, steepness of the slope and the speed at which the air travels upward define the amount and intensity of orographic precipitation.
Where does the precipitation fall on a mountain?
The precipitation typically falls on the top and windward sides of the mountain (the side where the air traveled up). When the air descends on the opposite side, or the leeward side, it has lost most of its moisture due to the rainfall.