Orographic lift occurs when an air mass is forced from a low elevation to a higher elevation as it moves over rising terrain. As the air mass gains altitude it quickly cools down adiabatically, which can raise the relative humidity to 100% and create clouds and, under the right conditions, precipitation.

Contents

• 1 Effects of orographic lifting
  • 1.1 Precipitation
  • 1.2 Rain shadowing
  • 1.3 Leeward winds
  • 1.4 Associated clouds
• 2 References

Effects of orographic lifting