Question

Which of the following best describes the rain shadow effect in Washington State?(1 point) Responses Warm air from the Pacific Ocean flows over the Cascade Mountains, creating heavy rainfall on both sides of the mountains. Warm air from the Pacific Ocean flows over the Cascade Mountains, creating heavy rainfall on both sides of the mountains. Moist air from the Pacific Ocean rises over the Cascade Mountains, cools, and releases rain on the western side, leaving the eastern side dry. Moist air from the Pacific Ocean rises over the Cascade Mountains, cools, and releases rain on the western side, leaving the eastern side dry. Dry air from Eastern Washington moves westward, causing rain to fall on the western side of the Cascade Mountains. Dry air from Eastern Washington moves westward, causing rain to fall on the western side of the Cascade Mountains.

Answer 1

The correct description of the rain shadow effect in Washington State is:

"Moist air from the Pacific Ocean rises over the Cascade Mountains, cools, and releases rain on the western side, leaving the eastern side dry."

This phenomenon occurs because as moist air ascends the mountains, it cools and condenses, leading to precipitation on the windward side (western side) of the Cascades. By the time the air descends on the leeward side (eastern side), it has lost much of its moisture, resulting in drier conditions.