Mountains can influence weather patterns in several ways. One common way is through orographic lifting, where air is forced to rise as it encounters a mountain range. As the air rises, it cools, condenses, and forms clouds, which can lead to precipitation on the windward side of the mountain. This phenomenon is known as orographic precipitation. Additionally, mountains can block the movement of air masses, leading to the formation of weather systems such as precipitation or fog. Mountains can also affect temperature patterns, as cooler air tends to sink on the leeward side of a mountain range, creating what is known as a rain shadow effect.
