6.ESS2.3 Factors that Effect Climate

Front

What is the windward side of a mountain?

Back

The windward side of a mountain is the side that faces the wind and receives more precipitation, leading to lush vegetation.

Front

What is the leeward side of a mountain?

Back

The leeward side of a mountain is the side that is sheltered from the wind, receiving less precipitation and often resulting in drier conditions.

Front

What is the rain shadow effect?

Back

The rain shadow effect occurs when mountains block the passage of rain-producing weather systems, causing one side to be wet (windward) and the other to be dry (leeward).

Front

What is a sea breeze?

Back

A sea breeze is a cool wind that blows from the sea to the land, typically occurring during the day due to temperature differences.

Front

What is a land breeze?

Back

A land breeze is a cool wind that blows from the land to the sea, usually occurring at night when the land cools faster than the water.

Front

What is the lake effect?

Back

The lake effect refers to the weather phenomenon where cold air moves over a warmer lake, picking up moisture and causing heavy snowfall or rain on the downwind shore.

Front

Which side of a mountain receives more precipitation?

Back

The windward side receives more precipitation than the leeward side.

Front

Why does California have more vegetation than Nevada despite being at the same latitude?

Back

California is on the windward side of the Sierra Nevada mountains, receiving more rain, while Nevada is on the leeward side, experiencing the rain shadow effect.

Front

What happens to air as it rises over a mountain?

Back

As air rises over a mountain, it cools and expands, leading to condensation and precipitation on the windward side.

Front

What is the primary factor that affects climate in a region?

Back

Geographic features such as mountains, bodies of water, and vegetation are primary factors that affect climate in a region.