Orographic rainfall occurs when _____________.

Key Points

• Orographic rainfall occurs when a saturated air mass comes across a mountain.
• This type of rainfall is caused by the upliftment of moist air over a mountain barrier.
• As the air ascends the mountain, it cools and condenses to form clouds, leading to precipitation on the windward side of the mountain.
• The leeward side of the mountain, however, receives less rainfall and is often referred to as the rain shadow area.
• Orographic rainfall is common in regions with significant topographical variations, such as the Western Ghats in India and the Andes in South America.

Additional Information

• Orographic rainfall is one of the three main types of rainfall, the other two being convectional and cyclonic (or frontal) rainfall.
• This type of rainfall is particularly important for agriculture and water resources in mountainous regions.
• Regions experiencing orographic rainfall often have lush vegetation on the windward side and drier conditions on the leeward side.
• Understanding the patterns of orographic rainfall is crucial for effective water management and planning in hilly and mountainous areas.