Relief Rainfall

The shape of the land is called the relief. When the wind meets an area of highland it is forced to rise. As this air rises it cools and condenses to form clouds. These clouds bring with them rain, meaning that on one side of the mountain there will be heavy rain. As the wind then descends down the opposite side of the mountain, it warms and has now lost most of its moisture. This creates an area of low rainfall, called a rain shadow.

Relief Rainfall

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Relief Rainfall

Relief Rainfall: Diagram and Explanation