16. Explain the effect of New Zealand's Southern Alps on the climate east of the mountains.(1 point)

Question

Responses

Their snow and ice have a chilling effect, keeping the central and eastern areas cool and wet.
Their snow and ice have a chilling effect, keeping the central and eastern areas cool and wet.

They act as a barrier, protecting the area east from the prevailing west winds.
They act as a barrier, protecting the area east from the prevailing west winds.

Their presence intensifies the speed of the roaring forties.
Their presence intensifies the speed of the roaring forties.

They divert precipitation into the east area, creating monsoon conditions.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

They act as a barrier, protecting the area east from the prevailing west winds.

The Southern Alps significantly influence the climate by blocking moist air from the Tasman Sea, resulting in wetter conditions on the western side of the mountains and drier conditions on the eastern side. This phenomenon is known as orographic rainfall. As a result, the eastern region tends to be much drier and experiences a different climate compared to the western side.