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 geographic phenomenon occurs due to the process of orographic lifting, where moist air is forced to rise and cool as it encounters a mountain barrier. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to precipitation on the windward side of the mountain. However, as the air descends on the leeward side, it warms and becomes drier, resulting in reduced rainfall and arid conditions in the region known as the rain shadow. This phenomenon often creates distinct ecosystems and climates on either side of the mountain range, with lush vegetation and higher precipitation on the windward side and desert-like conditions on the leeward side.
