have led to the creation of large lakes in Italy. For instance, the Sarca, the primary inflow of Lake Garda, originates in the Italian Alps. The Italian Lakes are a popular tourist destination since the Roman Era for their mild climate. Scientists have been studying the impact of climate change and water use. For example, each year more water is diverted from rivers for snowmaking in the ski resorts, the effect of which is yet unknown. Furthermore, the decrease of glaciated areas combined with a succession of winters with lower-than-expected precipitation may have a future impact on the rivers in the Alps as well as an effect on the water availability to the lowlands. Climate The Alps are a classic example of what happens when a temperate area at lower altitude gives way to higher-elevation terrain. Elevations around the world that have cold climates similar to those of the polar regions have been called Alpine. A rise from sea level into the upper regions of the atmosphere causes the temperature to decrease (see adiabatic lapse rate). The effect of mountain chains on prevailing winds is to carry warm air belonging to the lower region into an upper zone, where it expands in volume at the cost of a proportionate loss of temperature, often accompanied by precipitation in the form of snow or rain. The height of the Alps is sufficient to divide the weather patterns in Europe into a wet north and dry south because moisture is sucked from the air as it flows over the high peaks. The severe weather in the Alps has been studied since the 18th century; particularly the weather patterns such as the seasonal foehn wind. Numerous weather stations were placed in the mountains early in the early 20th century, providing continuous data for climatologists. Some of the valleys are quite arid such as the Aosta valley in Italy, the Maurienne in France, the Valais in Switzerland, and northern Tyrol. The areas that are not arid and receive high precipitation experience periodic flooding from rapid snowmelt and runoff. The mean precipitation in the Alps ranges from a low of per year to per year, with the higher levels occurring at high altitudes. At altitudes between , snowfall begins in November and accumulates through to April or May when the melt begins. Snow lines vary from , above which the snow is permanent and the temperatures
{
        'QUESTION: What caused the formation of large lakes in Italy?': 'A_ANSWER: The formation of large lakes in Italy was mainly due to the melting of glaciers and snow in the Italian Alps.',
        'QUESTION: Why are the Italian Lakes a popular tourist destination?' :'A_ANSWER: The Italian Lakes are a popular tourist destination because of their mild climate.',
        'QUESTION: How do scientists study the impact of climate change and water usage on these lakes?':'A_ANSWER: Scientists study the impact of climate change and water usage on these lakes by monitoring factors such as water diversion for snowmaking in ski resorts, changes in glaciated areas, and variations in winter precipitation.',
        'QUESTION: What is the term used to describe elevated areas with cold climates similar to polar regions?' :'A_ANSWER: The term used to describe elevated areas with cold climates similar to polar regions is "Alpine."',
        'QUESTION: How does the height of the Alps affect European weather patterns?' :'A_ANSWER: The height of the Alps divides European weather patterns into a wet north and dry south because moisture is removed from the air as it flows over the high peaks.',
        'QUESTION: Which months does snowfall begin in the Alps and when does it end?' :'A_ANSWER: In the Alps, snowfall typically begins in November and continues until April or May when the melt starts.',
        'QUESTION: What causes the variation in snowlines across different altitudes in the Alps?' :'A_ANSWER: The variation in snowlines across different altitudes in the Alps is due to differences in temperature and precipitation at various heights.',
        'QUESTION: Are there any arid valleys in the Alps?' :'A_ANSWER: Yes, there are several arid valleys in the Alps, including the Aosta Valley in Italy, the Maurienne in France, the Valais in Switzerland, and Northern Tyrol.',
        'QUESTION: What is the range of mean annual precipitation in the Alps?' :'A_ANSWER: The range of mean annual precipitation in the Alps varies from mm to mm, with higher amounts found at higher altitudes.',
        'QUESTION: What type of weather pattern occurs in the Alps during the summer months?' :'A_ANSWER: During the summer months, the Alps experience the seasonal foehn wind, a weather pattern characterized by strong downslope winds that lead to warmer and drier conditions.'
    }