Why does Basse-Terre receive more rainfall than Grande-Terre?

Basse-Terre receives significantly more rainfall than Grande-Terre primarily due to differences in elevation and topography. While Grande-Terre is generally low-lying with few areas exceeding 490 feet in height, Basse-Terre is characterized by a mountainous, volcanic landscape that includes peaks such as the Soufrière volcano, which rises to 4,813 feet above sea level.12

In Guadeloupe, precipitation levels vary significantly based on elevation and orientation. As the moisture-laden northeast trade winds encounter the high mountain chain of Basse-Terre, the air is forced upward, leading to increased condensation and rainfall. Consequently, while the low-lying Grande-Terre receives approximately 40 inches of rain annually, the mountainous regions of Basse-Terre receive more than 100 inches, supporting the island's lush vegetation and tropical forests.312