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2 Basic Ecology
compel prevailing winds over their slopes (Lydolph 1985). Cooler air can hold less
water vapor compared to warmer air. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading
to the deposition of rain or snow. As it is commonly understood, the higher the
altitude, the colder it becomes. Mountain ranges usually act as barriers to airflow
across the Earth’s surface. When warm air travels from a low-lying area to the
mountain’s foot range, it rises along the mountain’s slope. As it rises, it cools,
leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation on the windward slope as well
as at the summit. In meteorology, windward is a technical name for the sides of a
mountain. The windward side is the one facing the prevailing wind or upwind, while
the leeward side is the side that the mountain’s elevation shields. The windward
side is responsible for the enhancement of precipitation in the surrounding of
mountain ranges, while the leeward side is responsible for withholding it. For
example, these precipitation patterns can be seen in the Sierra Nevada mountain
range, which usually traps moisture as it travels off the Pacific Ocean. Topography
is also instrumental for the creation of regional winds.
What is the difference between altitude, topography, and slope?
(continued)
Experiment 2.1: The influence of topography on weather and climate
Objectives
• Create a “rainstorm.”
• Explore the way topography affects weather and climate.
Required Materials
Small branches, metal bowl or pan water, clay, and sponge
Background of the Experiment
An area’s topography (or relief) can affect weather and climate. An area close
to a water body tends to have milder climates. Mountainous regions have
more extreme weather events due to the barrier the mountains pose on-air
movements. The leeward or dry side of the mountain can make the weather
of the region to be characterized by prolonged periods of drought. On the
other hand, the windward side could result in frequent rainfalls. Mountains
may also create a physical barrier to clouds that form rain. In this experiment,
students will create rainclouds and a mountain to illustrate how one side of
the mountain has less vegetation than the other.
2 Basic Ecology
compel prevailing winds over their slopes (Lydolph 1985). Cooler air can hold less
water vapor compared to warmer air. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading
to the deposition of rain or snow. As it is commonly understood, the higher the
altitude, the colder it becomes. Mountain ranges usually act as barriers to airflow
across the Earth’s surface. When warm air travels from a low-lying area to the
mountain’s foot range, it rises along the mountain’s slope. As it rises, it cools,
leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation on the windward slope as well
as at the summit. In meteorology, windward is a technical name for the sides of a
mountain. The windward side is the one facing the prevailing wind or upwind, while
the leeward side is the side that the mountain’s elevation shields. The windward
side is responsible for the enhancement of precipitation in the surrounding of
mountain ranges, while the leeward side is responsible for withholding it. For
example, these precipitation patterns can be seen in the Sierra Nevada mountain
range, which usually traps moisture as it travels off the Pacific Ocean. Topography
is also instrumental for the creation of regional winds.
What is the difference between altitude, topography, and slope?
(continued)
Experiment 2.1: The influence of topography on weather and climate
Objectives
• Create a “rainstorm.”
• Explore the way topography affects weather and climate.
Required Materials
Small branches, metal bowl or pan water, clay, and sponge
Background of the Experiment
An area’s topography (or relief) can affect weather and climate. An area close
to a water body tends to have milder climates. Mountainous regions have
more extreme weather events due to the barrier the mountains pose on-air
movements. The leeward or dry side of the mountain can make the weather
of the region to be characterized by prolonged periods of drought. On the
other hand, the windward side could result in frequent rainfalls. Mountains
may also create a physical barrier to clouds that form rain. In this experiment,
students will create rainclouds and a mountain to illustrate how one side of
the mountain has less vegetation than the other.