For Mountain Ranges That Are Subjected to Prevailing Winds, Which

question 2

Multiple Choice

For mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds, which of the following best explains why is the climate drier on the leeward (downwind) side?

• A) Deserts create dry conditions on the leeward side of mountain ranges.
• B) The sun illuminates the leeward side of mountain ranges at a more direct angle, converting to heat energy, which evaporates most of the water present.
• C) Pushed by the prevailing winds on the windward side, air is forced to rise, cool, condense, and drop its precipitation, leaving drier air to descend the leeward side.
• D) Air masses pushed by the prevailing winds are stopped by mountain ranges and the moisture is used up in the stagnant air masses on the leeward side.