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Ben Nevis Photo: 'Orographic Lift on Ben Nevis' by Nick Russill

Orographic Lift on Ben Nevis
user: Nick Russill (74 photos)
photo taken at: 8:36 pm 22 Jul 2012

Orographic Lift on Ben Nevis

United Kingdom | Ben Nevis

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Orographic lift occurs when an air mass is forced from a low elevation to a higher elevation as it moves over rising terrain. As it gets higher, it rapidly cools, causing the relative humidity to increase to 100%. This creates clouds and precipitation (when conditions are optimal).