Geography
Geography of Weather: How the Atmosphere Creates Local Climates
Quick fact
The windward side of a mountain can receive over 1,000 inches of snow a year, while the leeward side may receive hardly any—a phenomenon called the rain shadow.
Why this is interesting
Why does it snow on one side of a mountain while the other side stays dry, or why do coasts enjoy milder winters than inland areas? The answer lies in how Earth's physical geography shapes the weather we experience.