orographic cloud

meteorology

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July 1, 2026

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Orographic clouds form when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain range. As the air ascends, it cools, leading to condensation and the formation of these clouds, which are the source of orographic precipitation, such as rain or snow. This precipitation primarily falls on the side of the mountain facing the prevailing wind. Areas on the leeward side of the mountains often experience significantly less precipitation, creating a "rain shadow". Orographic clouds are a specific type of cloud formation resulting from air being lifted by topography.12

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climate
Cloud types
…by penetrative convection, and (4) orographic clouds formed by the ascent of air over hills and mountains.
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…by penetrative convection, and (4) orographic clouds formed by the ascent of air over hills and mountains.
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Mars
Basic atmospheric data
…of the planet’s disk), and orographic clouds, produced when moist air is lifted over elevated terrain and cooled, form around prominent topographic features such as craters and volcanoes. In winter, westward-moving spiral-shaped storm systems, similar to those on Earth, are seen regularly at midlatitudes. Most of these clouds—in particular, the…
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…of the planet’s disk), and orographic clouds, produced when moist air is lifted over elevated terrain and cooled, form around prominent topographic features such as craters and volcanoes. In winter, westward-moving spiral-shaped storm systems, similar to those on Earth, are seen regularly at midlatitudes. Most of these clouds—in particular, the…
Read More