What Is Orographic Lift?
Air forced upward as wind blows over mountains, often making clouds and rain on the upwind side. In technical terms: Forced ascent of air flowing over elevated terrain, producing adiabatic cooling, condensation, and enhanced precipitation on windward slopes and a rain shadow on the lee side.
Also called: Orographic Lifting
Orographic Lift In Plain English
Air forced upward as wind blows over mountains, often making clouds and rain on the upwind side.
The Technical Definition
Forced ascent of air flowing over elevated terrain, producing adiabatic cooling, condensation, and enhanced precipitation on windward slopes and a rain shadow on the lee side.
