Our islands of Hawaii have some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the world. One reason they are so unique is the many climate types that can be found on one island alone. The tradewinds and elevation significantly affect the differing moisture, temperature, and precipitation, which vary considerably among our islands.

For instance, on Kauai, Mt. Waialeale (5,148 ft above sea level) is regarded as the wettest spot on the planet, receiving 460 inches of rainfall per year. On the same island, you also have one of the driest locations, Barking Sands Desert, which receives 8 inches of rainfall a year.

Questions:
a. What is the rain-shadow effect?
b. Draw a rain shadow based on one of our islands.
c. Compare vegetation, rainfall, and humidity for Waianae, Manoa, Kaneohe, and Diamond Head.

The rain-shadow effect is a climate phenomenon that creates different weather patterns on different sides of a mountain or island, resulting in varied ecosystems. Comparing conditions in different regions of Hawaii like Waianae, Manoa, Kaneohe, Diamondhead, you would find that they have varied biomes from lush tropical to dry and desert-like due to different levels of rain and air moisture.

Explanation:

The rain-shadow effect is a climate phenomenon that occurs when moist air rises over a mountain range, cools down and loses its capacity to hold water, resulting in precipitation on the windward side. This leaves the leeward side, or the side shielded from the wind, drier because the air that descends is warmer and drier. This effect can create stark differences in the climate and ecosystems on different parts of the same island.

In terms of comparing the vegetation, rainfall, and humidity for Waianae, Manoa, Kaneohe, and Diamondhead in Hawaii, it's important to note that these areas represent different biomes or ecological areas. Differences in altitude, rainfall, and surrounding bodies of water can create varied microclimates. Generally, areas like Manoa and Kaneohe, located on the windward (eastern) side of Oahu, receive more rainfall resulting in lush vegetation and higher humidity. In contrast, Waianae, on the leeward (western) side, gets less rainfall, leading to more dry and desert-like conditions. Diamondhead, being near the coast in Honolulu, experiences a moderately high amount of rainfall and humidity. Its vegetation is a mix of both desert and tropical plants.

Learn more about Rain-Shadow effect here:

https://brainly.com/question/32965504

#SPJ11