Final answer:
Mountainous areas are windier in certain regions due to the rain shadow effect, where moist air loses its moisture as it rises over a mountain range, causing dryer conditions and increased windiness on the leeward side.
Step-by-step explanation:
Certain areas in the mountains are more windy than others due to the rain shadow effect. This occurs when moist air from the ocean rises over a mountain range and cools, causing water vapor to condense and precipitation to fall, usually on the windward side of the mountains. When the air reaches the leeward side, it is dry and creates a rain shadow area with little precipitation. Additionally, evaporation of moisture is greater where it is hot and sunny, accentuating dry conditions on the leeward side.
This phenomenon explains why some mountainous areas experience strong winds. For example, the Andes mountains cause heavy precipitation on the eastern slopes and arid conditions on the western side in the Atacama region of Chile. Similarly, the mountains in the Western Highlands of the Congo and the Rwenzori Mountains also create a significant rain shadow effect impacting the regional climate.