AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Earth's Geography and Climate
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
A city is located on the side of a mountain range that is sheltered from the prevailing winds coming off a nearby ocean. What type of climate would you expect this city to have?
The city would likely have a drier climate because it is located in a rain shadow, where the mountains block precipitation from the ocean.
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A city is located on the side of a mountain range that is sheltered from the prevailing winds coming off a nearby ocean. What type of climate would you expect this city to have?
The city would likely have a drier climate because it is located in a rain shadow, where the mountains block precipitation from the ocean.
Besides the sun's energy, what two general types of factors affect weather and climate?
Weather and climate are also affected by geologic and geographic factors.
If you were to travel over a tall mountain range, what change in vegetation and moisture would you expect to observe on the leeward side (the side away from the wind)?
You would expect to observe a drier environment with less vegetation, as this side is a rain shadow where precipitation is blocked by the mountains.
Define the key characteristic of a rain shadow region.
The key characteristic is that the region has become drier than surrounding areas due to a blockage of precipitation by a higher elevation area.
What factors, in addition to solar energy, contribute to the formation of different weather and climate zones?
Geologic and geographic factors, including the presence of mountains and variations in ocean temperature, contribute to different weather and climate zones.
How does Earth's geography, such as mountains, impact local weather patterns?
Mountains can act as barriers that block precipitation, leading to the formation of dry regions known as rain shadows on one side.
Identify two specific examples of geologic or geographic factors that affect climate.
Two specific factors mentioned are mountains and ocean temperature.
What is a rain shadow?
A rain shadow is a region of land that has become drier because a higher elevation area blocks precipitation from reaching the land.
What causes a rain shadow to form?
A rain shadow forms when a higher elevation area, like a mountain, blocks precipitation from reaching the land on one side, causing it to become a drier region.
What is the relationship between higher elevation and precipitation in a rain shadow effect?
The higher elevation area serves as a physical barrier that obstructs the path of precipitation, causing the land on the other side to receive significantly less rain.