Orographic precipitation
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-001946
Precipitation that results from the lifting and cooling of moist air as it flows over mountain ranges or other elevated terrain. As the air rises, it condenses to form clouds, which then release rain or snow on the windward slopes. This process creates rain shadows on the leeward side of mountains, where precipitation is significantly reduced.
Precipitation which is caused by hills or mountain ranges deflecting the moisture-laden air masses upward, causing them to cool and precipitate their moisture.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-001946 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
| References | NWS Glossary |
| See also | Seeder-feeder |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-001946",
"term": "Orographic precipitation",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definitions": [
"Precipitation that results from the lifting and cooling of moist air as it flows over mountain ranges or other elevated terrain. As the air rises, it condenses to form clouds, which then release rain or snow on the windward slopes. This process creates rain shadows on the leeward side of mountains, where precipitation is significantly reduced.",
"Precipitation which is caused by hills or mountain ranges deflecting the moisture-laden air masses upward, causing them to cool and precipitate their moisture."
],
"see_also": [
"seeder-feeder"
],
"references": [
"NWS Glossary"
],
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/orographic-precipitation/"
}
Record 6,806 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.