What is Orographic Rainfall?

Orographic rainfall is also known as relief rainfall. When the moisture-bearing winds strike a mountain range, it is forced to ascend.

Orographic Rainfall

  • Orographic rainfall is also known as Relief rainfall because it is affected by the relief or physical features of a place, i.e. mountains.
  • When the moisture-bearing winds strike a mountain range, it is forced to ascend.
  • Because the wind rises up the mountains, it cools down to its saturation point bringing rainfall on the windward side of the mountains. These winds are devoid of moisture when they reach the leeward side of mountains. Hence, places located on the leeward side of mountains get scanty rainfall.
  • For example, Mumbai which lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats receives heavy rainfall, while Pune which lies on the leeward side receives scanty rainfall.

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