Southwest South America, particularly the region of Chile, experiences a dry climate primarily due to the influence of the Andes Mountains and the cold Humboldt Current. Here are the key factors:
-
Andes Mountains: The Andes create a rain shadow effect. As moist air from the Pacific Ocean moves eastward, it rises over the mountains. As it rises, it cools and loses moisture in the form of precipitation on the windward side of the mountains. By the time the air descends on the leeward side, it is dry, contributing to arid conditions in the southwestern region.
-
Humboldt Current: The cold Humboldt Current flows northward along the coast of Chile. This cold ocean current cools the air above it, reducing its ability to hold moisture and leading to lower humidity levels and less precipitation along the coast.
Given these points, the best statement to describe why southwest South America has a dry climate would relate to the combination of the Andes Mountains creating a rain shadow effect and the cooling influence of the Humboldt Current. If you have specific statements to evaluate, please share them, and I can help you choose the best one.
17 answers