A rain shadow is a dry area on the leeward side of a mountain range that receives significantly less precipitation than the windward side. This phenomenon occurs when moist air from the ocean is forced to rise up and over a mountain range, cooling and losing moisture in the process. As the air descends on the leeward side, it warms up and is unable to hold as much moisture, resulting in drier conditions and little to no precipitation. Rain shadows are typically characterized by arid or semi-arid climates, with sparse vegetation and limited water availability.
