What does orthographic lifting cause on the windward side of mountains?

• A. Precipitation on leeward side
• B. Lower wind speeds
• C. Precipitation on the windward side of mountains
• D. No precipitation

Answer: (C)

Orthographic lifting forces moist air to rise as it meets a mountain barrier. As the air climbs, it expands and cools, reaching its dew point, which causes water vapor to condense and form clouds and rain on the windward side. Once the air crosses the peak and descends the leeward side, it warms and dries, leading to drier conditions there—the rain shadow. So the windward side ends up with precipitation, making that the correct outcome.