When an ocean wind blows against a mountain, the air is lifted and cooled. The water vapor in the air condenses, and large clouds form. The peaks of some mountains are covered by clouds at all times. Because of the rising air currents, the windward side of a mountain usually gets more rain or snow than the other side. In some mountain ranges, the windward side also has more plant life. As air flows over a mountain and down the other side, the air becomes warmer and the clouds evaporate.
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World Book diagram by Zorica Dabich</P>
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