About 13,200 results
Open links in new tab
  1. Rain shadow - Wikipedia

    A rain shadow is an area of significantly reduced rainfall behind a mountainous region, on the side facing away from prevailing winds, known as its leeward side.

  2. Rain Shadow - National Geographic Society

    Dec 9, 2024 · A rain shadow is a patch of land that has been forced to become a desert because mountain ranges blocked all plant-growing, rainy weather. On one side of the mountain, wet weather …

  3. What Is a Rain Shadow? - Field & Stream

    Oct 20, 2023 · The longest continental mountain range in the world creates what’s known as a rain shadow, or an area sheltered by the winds necessary to create clouds—and rain.

  4. What Is a Rain Shadow Effect and How Does It Work?

    Nov 5, 2025 · The rain shadow effect is a meteorological phenomenon that explains the dramatic differences in climate and landscape found on opposite sides of a single mountain range.

  5. What Causes a Rain Shadow and Where It Happens

    The rain shadow effect is a fascinating meteorological phenomenon that plays a crucial role in shaping local climates and ecosystems. Understanding what causes a rain shadow and where it typically …

  6. Rain Shadows, Explained | OpenSnow

    Aug 18, 2025 · What is a rain shadow? A rain shadow is a dry region on the leeward side of a mountainous area, where less precipitation falls compared to the windward side.

  7. What Is a Rain Shadow Effect and How Does It Form?

    Aug 26, 2025 · The formation of a rain shadow begins when prevailing winds carry moist air from an ocean or large body of water towards a mountain range. As this moisture-laden air encounters the …

  8. RAIN SHADOW Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

    Nov 12, 2025 · The meaning of RAIN SHADOW is a region of reduced rainfall on the lee side of high mountains.

  9. Rain shadow | meteorology | Britannica

    Rain shadow, lee side of an orographic (mountainous) barrier, which receives considerably less precipitation than the windward side. See orographic.

  10. Weather Words: 'Rain Shadow' | Weather.com

    Oct 16, 2025 · Rain shadows occur because of a pretty simple set of factors. First, prevailing winds bring moist air from oceans or lakes toward the mountain. Next, the altitude of the mountains means that...