Orographic Lift

Orographic lift occurs when moist air encounters a mountain range. As the air rises over the mountains, it cools and loses its ability to hold moisture, leading to cloud formation and precipitation on the windward side of the mountains. This process creates rain or snow in those areas. Conversely, the air descends on the leeward side, warming up and drying out, which can result in a much drier climate there. This phenomenon is important for understanding weather patterns and influences ecosystems and agriculture in mountainous regions.