[pixcavator]

>>This is largely a topological problem: If you're surrounded by mountains...

Topological or topographical? It's kinda both in your example.

[cstuder]

Topographical was the word I was looking for.

I'm no expert, but I don't think topology features much in the weather models. It's mostly numerical analysis and statistics.

[sukuriant]

yes. (note: not OP, but I'm not lying :P)