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Mountains and Rain Shadows

Make Your Own Rain Shadow Model

From evidence provided through videos, images, and graphs, you have seen how very different the conditions on two sides of a mountain range can be. You have learned how a rain shadow forms. Now you will demonstrate your understanding of this phenomenon by drawing and writing.

Use the arrow tool and the images provided to create your own model illustrating the connection between a mountain range and rain shadows. Use the text tool to label what is happening at each step to explain how a rain shadow forms. 

Click Infograph It to get started.
An illustration showing the same cross section of a segment of mountain range.

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An illustration showing the same cross section of a segment of mountain range. On the left side of the mountain range, there is an ocean. The left side of the mountain range is green and forested. The landscape on the right side of the mountains is brown and there are a few cactuses.

For an Alternate Format Support for this activity, select the following handout. When you have completed it, select Upload File and then Submit. The file will be added to My Work.

Rain Shadow - Infograph It

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Use the arrow tool and the images provided to create your own model illustrating the connection between a mountain range and rain shadows. Use the text tool to label what is happening at each step to explain how a rain shadow forms. 

  1. Base Image: This is an illustration of a mountain with a rain shadow that you will use as the background of your model and explanation.
  2. Text tool: Add text labels to explain what is happening in your model.
  3. Lines and Arrows tool: Select lines or arrows to use.
  4. Images tool: Select weather images to use in your model.
  5. Shapes tool: Select arrows in different colors. 
  6. Submit your diagram when completed.

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