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Mountains, climates and erosion processes

Climatic barrier effect exerted by mountains. Rainfall and humid conditions dominate on the seaside of the mountain chain, while dry conditions dominate the continental side

Climatic barrier effect exerted by mountains. Rainfall and humid conditions dominate on the seaside of the mountain chain, while dry conditions dominate the continental side
Image Credit: MBG

Uspalalta valley, Argentina, east of the Andes and dominated by dry conditions

Uspalalta valley, Argentina, east of the Andes and dominated by dry conditions
Image Credit: MBG

Erosive activity at different stream gradient

Erosive activity at different stream gradient
Image Credit: MBG

All mountains chains serve to a greater or lesser extent, depending on their size, shape, orientation, and relative location,  as barriers for air and moisture that may have a direct influence on regional climates.

The rise of new mountain chains will directly influence the climate at a regional scale, therefore leading to  erosive processes in the changing area. Chemical weathering and water erosion will dominate the humid side, while wind and physical erosion will be more important on the dry areas.