FACTOR AFFECTING CLIMATE: TOPOGRAPHY

TOPOGRAPHY The topography, or features of the land also influences the climate. The amount of precipitation in a region is affected by mountain ranges in that area. Mountains cause air to rise. Rising air becomes less dense allowing the condensation of water. Precipitation occurs. Air moving down the other side of the mountain becomes more dense. Sinking air does not produce precipitation. The leeward side, or side facing away from the wind, receives much less precipitation.