Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Instead of a lone mountain, as in Figure 9-5, imagine a lengthy mountain range. The windward side
has a rather wet climate. The leeward side, being in the moisture-deprived rainshadow, is a desert or
semi-desert. For example, the Himalayan Mountains lie perpendicular to seasonal rain-bearing winds
that come from the Indian Ocean. The result is a virtual tropical rainforest climate on the southern
windward side, and a vast expanse of arid and semi-arid conditions (including the Gobi and Takla
Makan Deserts) on the northern leeward side.
Similarly, the Coast and Cascade Ranges in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington State, in-
tercept moisture-bearing winds that enter the mainland from the Pacific Ocean. The result is a very
moist coastal fringe (noted for its tall trees — the redwoods — and lush forests) on the windward
side. But the lands to leeward are arid and semi-arid.
Applied Geography: Locating an island resort
Many islands have distinctive windward and leeward sides. On those that do, predom-
inant wind direction is often an important consideration in choice of location for a resort.
On the windward coast the wind comes off the ocean, often resulting in rough surf con-
ditions and blowing sand that is picked up from the beach. And if highlands are inland,
rain will also result as air is forced to rise over the higher elevations. The leeward side, in
contrast, is apt to experience much less rain, calmer waters, and absence of wind-blown
sand. So if you're in the market for island real estate on which to build a resort, chances
are good that you will opt for land on the leeward coast.
Gaining Heat, Losing Heat
Locations in the middle of continents tend to have hotter summers and colder winters than do
locales at similar latitudes by the sea. This condition is called
continentality.
It occurs because
land and water have very different characteristics when it comes to absorbing and retaining
solar energy. To illustrate this point, take a look at Figure 9-6 and assume it shows a sandy
beach and an adjacent lake receiving equal amounts of solar energy.
Earth and sand are not transparent, so most of the solar energy that strikes them is absorbed by and
concentrated in the top-most inch or half-inch of surface material. As a result, the beach becomes
super-hot. If you have ever experienced scorched feet while walking barefoot on dry sand on a sunny
summer day, then you know exactly what I am talking about.
