Hawaii Climate

Why can dry vegetation occur near wet mountain forests?

• Every island receives uniform rain
• Leeward rain-shadow conditions
• Saltwater always replaces rainfall
• Temperature never changes with terrain

Why can one Hawaiian island contain several climate environments?

• Every island has a single flat surface
• Ocean winds never reach mountain slopes
• Elevation and terrain create local differences
• Latitude changes sharply within a town

Which caution is appropriate about rainfall on windward slopes?

• Every windward place has identical rainfall
• Windward slopes are always rainless
• Only coastlines can receive rain
• Rain amounts can vary by elevation and location

When might leeward areas receive more rainfall than usual?

• Only during an earthquake
• Only when the Pacific Plate stops
• During certain winter storm systems
• Only after lava has cooled

What is the general relationship between elevation and air temperature in Hawaii?

• Higher elevations are always warmer
• Elevation has no climate effect
• All summits have the same temperature as beaches
• Higher elevations tend to be cooler

What combination mainly produces orographic rainfall in Hawaii?

• Strong sunlight and deep ocean trenches alone
• Ocean salinity and volcanic ash alone
• Only tidal changes without air movement
• Moist prevailing winds and rising mountain terrain