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Describe and explain, with the aid of a labelled diagram, how relief rainfall occurs. - Junior Cycle Geography - Question A - 2015
Question A
Describe and explain, with the aid of a labelled diagram, how relief rainfall occurs.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe and explain, with the aid of a labelled diagram, how relief rainfall occurs. - Junior Cycle Geography - Question A - 2015
Step 1
Labelled Diagram
Answer
A labeled diagram should depict the process of relief rainfall. It should include the following elements:
- Mountain or hill to illustrate the orographic effect.
- Wind direction indicating moist air rising.
- Cloud formation on the windward side.
- Precipitation falling on the windward side and the drier leeward side (rain shadow).
- Indication of altitude changes.
Step 2
Description/Explanation 1
Answer
Relief rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over physical barriers such as mountains. As the air ascends, it cools due to a drop in atmospheric pressure. This cooling leads to condensation of water vapor in the air, resulting in the formation of clouds and subsequent precipitation.
Step 3
Description/Explanation 2
Answer
As the air rises and cools on the windward side of the mountain, it loses moisture in the form of rainfall. The drier air then descends on the leeward side, creating a rain shadow effect, where precipitation is significantly reduced. This distinction between the moist windward and dry leeward sides of the mountain is crucial in understanding relief rainfall.