A weather phenomenon known as the föhn (with an identical effect to the chinook wind) can occur at all times of the year and is characterised by an unexpectedly warm wind, bringing air of very low relative humidity to the north of the Alps during rainfall periods on the southern face of the Alps. This works both ways across the alps but is more efficient if blowing from the south due to the steeper step for oncoming wind from the south. Valleys running south to north trigger the best effect. The driest conditions persist in all inner alpine valleys that receive less rain because arriving clouds lose a lot of their content while crossing the mountains before reaching these areas. Large alpine areas such as Graubünden remain drier than pre-alpine areas and as in the main valley of the Valais wine grapes are grown there. COUNT 5
QSN1 What is the weather phenomena characterized by an unexpected warm wind bringing low reletive humidity to the northern Alps during rainfall in the southern Alps? ANS1 föhn QSN2 At what time of year can the fohn occur? ANS2 all times QSN3 Where do clouds lose most of their content before getting to the inner alpine valleys? ANS3 crossing the mountains QSN4 What type of grapes are grown in the valley of Valais? ANS4 wine QSN5 During the fohn, from which direction is the blowing wind more efficient? ANS5 the south