rain shadow

Definitions

An area of diminished precipitation on the lee side of mountains, caused by the prior release of moisture on the windward side.

Equivalents

Examples

“As a necessary consequence of this analogous structure⟳, we find⟳ no forests eastward of the slopes of the Rocky Mountains and the Cordilleras, or in their "rain⟳ shadow," but open⟳ steppes...”

“A pronounced 'rain⟳ shadow' and chinook belt occur⟳ on the plateau district in the lee of these mountains.”

“In the modern day, the Andes cast⟳ a very strong rain⟳ shadow, resulting in the extreme aridity of the Atacama Desert.”

CEFR level