Question

Why is South Island's west coast called the "Wet Coast"?
(1 point)
Responses

Its terrain consists mostly of rainforest.
Its terrain consists mostly of rainforest.

Weather systems crossing the Pacific from South America hit this coast first.
Weather systems crossing the Pacific from South America hit this coast first.

The roaring forties bring strong west winds from the Indian Ocean.
The roaring forties bring strong west winds from the Indian Ocean.

It sits in a climatic convergence zone.
It sits in a climatic convergence zone.

Answer 1

The roaring forties bring strong west winds from the Indian Ocean. These moist westerlies hit the Southern Alps, causing heavy orographic rainfall on the west coast (hence the "Wet Coast").