Question

multiple-choice question
the diagram below shows how prevailing winds cause different weather conditions on the windward and leeward sides of a mountain range.
diagram of mountain with windward, leeward, wind, ocean, and clouds
clouds usually form on the windward sides of mountains because this is where air

• rises and warms
• rises and cools
• sinks and cools
• sinks and warms

rewatch

Explanation:

To determine why clouds form on the windward side of mountains, we analyze the air movement:

1. Wind from the ocean hits the mountain, forcing the air to rise (windward side).
2. As air rises, atmospheric pressure decreases, causing the air to cool (adiabatic cooling).
3. Cooler air can hold less moisture, leading to condensation and cloud formation.

Now, evaluate the options:

• "rises and warms": Rising air expands and cools, not warms. Eliminate.
• "rises and cools": Matches the process of air rising, cooling, and condensing to form clouds. Correct.
• "sinks and cools": Sinking air compresses and warms, not cools. Eliminate.
• "sinks and warms": Sinking air warms, but windward air rises, not sinks. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. rises and cools (assuming the second option is labeled B; if the original labels differ, adjust to the correct identifier with the text "rises and cools")