Which of the following winds blows on the leeward slopes of the northern Alps in Switzerland?
The Foehn is the specific name for the warm, dry wind that descends the northern slopes of the Swiss Alps. It is a “rain shadow” wind. As air drops down the “leeward” (sheltered) side of the mountains, it is compressed by higher atmospheric pressure. This compression makes the air much warmer and drier than the air on the other side. ANSWER: (C) Foehn
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The Foehn wind is a classic geographical phenomenon in Central Europe. When moist air from the south hits the Alps, it is forced upward, where it cools and rains. By the time the air reaches the northern slopes (the leeward side), it has lost all its moisture. As this dry air sinks into the Swiss valleys, it warms up rapidly through adiabatic heating. This wind is very important for Alpine agriculture because it can extend the growing season by bringing sudden warmth, though it is also known for melting snow so quickly that it can cause floods.
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