Re: Why are leeward sides of mountains drier than windward?

Blake:

When air reaches the mountain front on the windward side, it rises because
the mountains are in the way. As the air rises, it cools, and because cool
air can hold less moisture than warm air, there is usually precipitation.
By the time the air gets to the leeward side of the mountain range it has
already lost some of its moisture. This is why the leeward sides are drier.

Best  regards,

David Kopaska-Merkel
Geological Survey of Alabama
PO Box 869999
Tuscaloosa AL 35486-6999
(205) 349-2852
fax (205) 349-2861
www.gsa.state.al.us