The Formation of Rainshadow Deserts / The Orographic Effect

Teacher Answer Key

Match the appropriate description with its corresponding area (A, B, C, D or Death Valley) from the diagram above:

Death Valley. Air is very warm and dry, creating a “rain shadow desert” here
C.  Cooling triggers condensation, forming clouds and precipitation, and releasing additional heat into the air 
B.  Warm air rises as it moves eastward over the Sierra Nevadas.  The air expands and cools as it rises.
D.  Compression of dry, descending air warms it further.
A.  Warm moist air moves eastward over coastal California