Bringing the Universe to America's Classrooms
Mountains and Rain Shadows

Rain Shadow

The lack of moisture and of rain on the leeward side of a mountain range results in a "rain shadow"—a patch of land that is very warm and dry. Many deserts around the world result from the rain shadow effect.
An illustration showing the same cross section of a segment of mountain range.

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An illustration showing the same cross section of a segment of mountain range. On the left side of the mountain range, there is an ocean. The left side of the mountain range is green and forested. The landscape on the right side of the mountains is brown and there are a few cactuses.

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