orographic clouds

orographic clouds

Clouds formed as a result of orography, or terrestrial relief. If a mass of moist air moves against a hill, it will rise and cool. Clouds will form if in this process the condensation level is reached and precipitation can occur. If precipitation does not occur, the cloud base on the leeward sides will be higher than the clouds on the windward side of the hill. As these clouds are linked with the form of the terrestrial relief, they generally move very slowly, if at all. The winds at the same level may be very strong.