Rain Shadow Effect Worksheet
Explore the rain shadow effect, how mountains influence weather, and its impact on ecosystems with this Grade 6 science worksheet.
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Rain Shadow Effect
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use complete sentences for short answer questions.
Understanding the Rain Shadow Effect
The rain shadow effect is a phenomenon that creates a dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range. It happens when moist air is forced to rise over mountains, causing it to cool and release its moisture as rain or snow on the windward side. By the time the air reaches the leeward side, it is dry and warm, creating a 'shadow' of rain.
1. What is the side of the mountain called where moist air rises and releases precipitation?
Leeward side
Windward side
Shadow side
Dry side
2. What happens to the air after it crosses the mountain and descends on the leeward side?
It becomes cooler and wetter.
It becomes warmer and drier.
It remains the same temperature and moisture.
It causes more rain.
3. The side of the mountain that receives a lot of rain is called the side.
4. Deserts are often found on the side of mountain ranges due to the rain shadow effect.
5. When moist air rises, it and releases its moisture.
6. The rain shadow effect results in a wet climate on both sides of a mountain.
True
False
7. Air that descends on the leeward side of a mountain is typically dry and warm.
True
False
8. Describe in your own words how a mountain range can create a desert on one side.
Match each term with its definition.
9. Windward side
a. The drier side of a mountain.
10. Leeward side
b. The side of a mountain that faces the prevailing wind.
11. Precipitation
c. Any form of water that falls from clouds to Earth's surface.