How do highlands and mountains affect rainfall in Australia?

- As moist air rises over highlands and mountains, it cools and condenses.

- It then releases its moisture in the form of precipitation on the windward side of the mountain.

Rain shadow effect:

- On the leeward side of the highlands, air descends, causing the air to warm up.

- This can lead to the air becoming drier, resulting in the rain shadow effect.

Effects:

- The Great Dividing Range in eastern Australia results in higher rainfall on the eastern coast and lower rainfall on the western side.

- The Snowy Mountains in southeastern Australia lead to higher precipitation in the Snowy Mountains region and the southeastern coast, while the western side of the mountains experiences a rain shadow effect.