Surface Physiography: Altitudinal Zonation and

Rainshadows

One of the two ways that surface physiography influences climate is through alti-
tudinal zonation. Altitudinal zonation results from the fact that higher elevations are
colder than lower elevations. As one moves up a high mountain slope, the climate
and resulting vegetation change from warmer to colder weather types. The effect is
similar to moving from lower to higher latitudes (i.e., from the equator to the poles).
Altitudinal zonation is most pronounced in arid regions, like the southwestern United
States, where mountain peaks stand out as lush islands in a sea of desert.
The second way that physiography influences climate is through the creation of a
rainshadow. Water molecules slow down when the air gets colder, allowing conden-
sation and clouds to form. When the temperature is warmer, the molecules warm up
and move faster, and the clouds dissipate. As a mass of warm air rises into an area of
colder air, it will eventually cool to a temperature at which condensation will occur
and a cloud will form. This is known as the dew point temperature. If the air mass
continues to rise and cool, condensation increases until precipitation (rain, snow, hail,
etc.) occurs.
This process takes place regularly in mountain areas throughout the world. Air
masses are pushed up the windward side of the mountains in a process known as oro-
graphic uplift. This cools the air and typically results in precipitation (rain or snow).
By the time the air mass reaches the top of these ranges, it has lost much of its original
moisture. The air mass then starts down the back side of the mountain. This causes the
air to warm up and the molecules to speed up, with the result that the clouds disappear

FIGURE 1.4
ALTITUDINAL ZONATION

Altitudinal zonation
SUN
Arctic / Alpine
South Treeline North
Facing Slope 11 Facing Slope
Spruce
10
9 Douglas Fir
Woodland 8 Aspen
7 Ponderosa Pine
Grassland
6 Pinyon–Juniper
5
Sage Brush
4
3
Desert shrub 2 Mesquite, Cactus
1,000 Feet
Sea Level
An example of Altitudinal Zonation on San Francisco Mountain in Arizona
Elevations for the zones shown here would be lowered as one moves closer
to the North & South Poles and higher closer to Equator.

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