 orographic lift occurs when an air mass is forced from a low elevation to a higher elevation as it moves over rising terrain. as the air mass gains altitude it quickly cools down adiabatically, which can raise the relative humidity to 100% and create clouds and, under the right conditions, precipitation. ==effects of orographic lifting== ===precipitation=== precipitation induced by orographic lift occurs in many places throughout the world. examples include: * the mogollon rim in central arizona * the mountains near baja california north â specifically la bocana to laguna hanson. * the windward slopes of khasi and jayantia hills see over 11000&nbsp;mm (see mawsynram) of rain during the southwest monsoon season * the western ghats that run along india's western coast. * the great dividing range of eastern and south eastern australia which forces uplift of moist air originating from the ocean to the east. * the mountains of new zealand, which faces a prevailing westerly flow off the tasman sea. * the mountainous western coastal regions of tasmania which also face a prevailing westerly flow. * the southern andes, which faces a prevailing westerly flow off the pacific ocean. * the northwestern united states and canada (oregon, washington, british columbia, and southern alaska) see prevailing westerly flow off the northern pacific ocean. places on the sea-facing side of coastal mountains see in excess of 140&nbsp;inches (over 3.5 m) of precipitation per year. these locales are on the side of the mountains which are in the path of storm systems, and therefore receive the moisture which is effectively squeezed from the clouds.  * the ski country region of new york and pennsylvania, particularly with lake effect snows. * transylvania county, north carolina, which gets the most rainfall of anywhere in the eastern u.s. (90&nbsp;inches). * appalachian mountains in west virginia (particularly the western facing slopes). * the [[ecoregions of mad
Climate_forcing_agents