The amount of moisture air can hold is strongly dependent on temperature. Colder air holds less moisture. Why then, as you climb a mountain, precipitation increases?
(a) As the air cools it becomes less saturated
(b) The higher winds cause enhanced cloud formation and more rain
(c) As the air cools it becomes saturated and must release excess moisture
(d) None of the above

Question

The amount of moisture air can hold is strongly dependent on temperature. Colder air holds less moisture. Why then, as you climb a mountain, precipitation increases?
(a) As the air cools it becomes less saturated
(b) The higher winds cause enhanced cloud formation and more rain
(c) As the air cools it becomes saturated and must release excess moisture
(d) None of the above

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

As air rises up a mountain, it expands and cools due to decreasing atmospheric pressure. Cooler air holds less moisture, so as it reaches a certain altitude, it becomes saturated (100% relative humidity). At this point, condensation occurs, forming clouds and leading to precipitation (rain or snow). This process is known as orographic lift, where moist air is forced to rise over a mountain, cools, condenses, and releases moisture.

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
The amount of moisture air can hold is strongly dependent on temperature. Colder air holds less moisture. Why then, as you climb a mountain, precipitation increases? (a) As the air cools it becomes less saturated (b) The higher winds cause enhanced cloud formation and more rain (c) As the air cools it becomes saturated and must release excess moisture (d) None of the above