Question

The Sierra Nevada Mountains display diverse vegetation on their western side, but barren desert on their eastern side. Why does this difference exist?

urban heat island effect
lake effect snow
rainshadow effect
transpiration effect

Answer 1

Answer: the answer is rainshadow effect

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

This is due to the rainshadow effect. The rainshadow effect occurs when moist air gets blocked by mountains, causing one side of the mountain (the leeward side) to be dry. The mountains block the path of rain producing weather systems. (I found a diagram of the process, I hope this helps!)