Many times, you must have noticed that the mountainous regions of the world receive more rainfall as compared to the coastal areas. Similarly, you must have also come across mountains which have lush green vegetation cover on one side and barren land on other. This and other such occurrences on planet Earth are attributed to several factors – and orographic effect is just one of them. Going by the simplest definition possible, orographic effect is an atmospheric condition which is triggered as a result of forced upward movement of air upon encountering a mountain or a highland. This phenomenon eventually results in precipitation on the windward side of the mountain and rain shadow on its leeward side.

Orography: An Overview

Even though the term orography technically refers to the study of the formation and relief of mountains, in a broad sense it is also used to refer to the formation and relief of other elevated terrain. Basically, orography is a discipline of geomorphology – which in itself is a branch of geology that revolves around the study of rocks and land forms. The study of formation and relief of mountains is very important as it plays a crucial role in determining the climate of various regions of the world. That must have given you a rough idea that orographic effect has something to do with mountains and other elevated terrain. As you come across the definition of other geography terms related to this orography, you will get a better picture of the entire concept.

What is the Orographic Effect?

In geography, the term ‘orographic effect’ refers to the weather condition triggered by upward movement of air mass on coming in contact with a mountain or some other elevated terrain. It has a crucial role to play in elevated mountainous regions of the world receiving more rainfall as opposed to the plains. Simply put, orographic effect is all about how mountains and other elevated terrain alter the prevailing weather conditions in a particular region. Read the rest of this entry »