Question
Which describes a way that prevailing winds control precipitation totals in a region?
They cause oceanic winds to carry water vapor.
They force cool, moist air from oceans to rise as it moves toward land.
They increase the occurrence of droughts in the winter.
They reduce rainfall on the leeward side of a mountain.
They cause oceanic winds to carry water vapor.
They force cool, moist air from oceans to rise as it moves toward land.
They increase the occurrence of droughts in the winter.
They reduce rainfall on the leeward side of a mountain.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The statement that best describes a way that prevailing winds control precipitation totals in a region is:
**They reduce rainfall on the leeward side of a mountain.**
This phenomenon is known as the "rain shadow effect." As prevailing winds carry moist air toward a mountain range, the air rises and cools, leading to precipitation on the windward side. Once the air passes over the peak and descends on the leeward side, it warms up and tends to be much drier, resulting in reduced rainfall.
**They reduce rainfall on the leeward side of a mountain.**
This phenomenon is known as the "rain shadow effect." As prevailing winds carry moist air toward a mountain range, the air rises and cools, leading to precipitation on the windward side. Once the air passes over the peak and descends on the leeward side, it warms up and tends to be much drier, resulting in reduced rainfall.