What phenomenon occurs due to the cooling of air as it rises over mountains?

Orographic lifting is a significant meteorological phenomenon that occurs when air moves up the slopes of a mountain. As the air rises, it encounters lower atmospheric pressure at higher elevations, which causes the air to expand and cool. This cooling process can result in condensation of moisture, leading to the formation of clouds and possibly precipitation on the windward side of the mountain.

The specific circumstances of orographic lifting contribute to various weather patterns, such as increased rainfall on the windward side and drier conditions on the leeward side, known as the rain shadow effect. By understanding orographic lifting, one can better predict precipitation patterns and weather events influenced by mountainous terrain. The other options do not specifically describe the process that occurs as air cools while ascending mountains, making orographic lifting the correct choice.