Why does the northern Beqaa Valley near Hermel experience semi-arid, steppe conditions compared to the coastal slope?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Rain shadow effect caused by Mount Lebanon
- Step 1: Moist westerly air masses from the Mediterranean rise over Mount Lebanon, cooling and dropping precipitation on the western slope.
- Step 2: As the air descends into the Beqaa, it warms and dries adiabatically, creating a pronounced rain shadow.
Answer
Rain shadow effect caused by Mount Lebanon.
Why not the others: 'Proximity to the Arabian desert winds' contributes secondary heat; 'Absence of groundwater aquifers' is false (deep limestone aquifers exist); 'Higher average surface atmospheric pressure' is irrelevant.
Practise more Hydrology, Valleys, Climate, and Nature Reserves.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed General Knowledge (Lebanon) mock tests.
More Hydrology, Valleys, Climate, and Nature Reserves questions
- What is the total length of the Litani River, making it the longest river flowing entirely within Lebanon?
- Where does the Litani River discharge into the Mediterranean Sea?
- Which artificial reservoir was created in 1959 by constructing a rockfill dam across the Litani River?
- Which international river originates from the Labweh springs in the northern Beqaa and flows north into Syria?
- Which river originates on the western slopes of Mount Hermon and flows south to join the Jordan River system?
- What river flows through the city of Tripoli, originating in the northern mountains as Nahr Qadisha?