rainfall measurements/climate for earth science

Question

The avearage annual rainfall for Alice Springs is 281.5 mm.  The averagle annual rainfall for downtown Portland, Oregon is 1069.34 mm.

 

 

1.  How does the location of Portland, Oregon help explain why it receives more rainfall than Alice Springs, Austrailia?

 

2.  Using the concepts of evaporation and condenstation, explain what happens when it rains in Portland, Oregon?

 

3.  What might be the effect on Portland's climate if the Cascade Range was to the west orather than to the east of Portland?  Be sure to consider the prevailing patter of winds in the US and the concept of a rain shadow in answer.

 

4.  Do currents have a major effect on the climate of Alice Springs, Australia?  Why or why not.

 

5.  How does the location of Alice Springs, Australia help explain why it receives less rainfall than Portland, Oregon?

 

thank you

 

Answer 1

1. Portland, OR is surrounded by high mountains on the West Coast. The orographic lift creates heavy rainfall due to the direction of the wind and elevation of the mountain range. Alice Springs, AU is in a desert lacking any landforms therefore does create an orographic lift.

 

4. Yes. If the currents are warm, than the moisture-laden air carried to the mainland will create more evaporation causing more rain. If the currents are cold, the air was have less moisture resulting in less rain.