American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Mountain terrain significantly influences local wind patterns due to the complex interplay between the geography and atmospheric conditions. As air encounters mountains, it is forced to rise, leading to various phenomena.

Mountains can create downdrafts because as the air flows up the side of a mountain, it cools and can become saturated, leading to precipitation. Once the air descends on the leeward side, it warms adiabatically, which can create strong downdrafts that are often associated with dry conditions. This process can lead to significant changes in local wind patterns, producing effects like increased wind speeds in some areas and stronger downdrafts that can impact weather conditions downstream.

Understanding these interactions is crucial for weather forecasting and for recognizing how terrain shapes local climates. This demonstrates that the presence of mountains is far from neutral; instead, it actively modifies wind flows and the weather that follows. Other options fail to recognize the dynamics involved in how terrain can impact both upward and downward air movements.