A Mountain Rain Shadow is the ____

Question

A mountain rain shadow is the ____.  
A) arid area on the windward slope
B) wet area on the windward slope
C) arid area on the leeward slope
D) wet area on the leeward slope
E) arid area on either slope

Accepted Answer

A mountain rain shadow is created when moist air masses are forced to rise up and over a mountain range, causing precipitation on the windward slope. As the air mass descends down the leeward slope, it becomes drier and warmer, resulting in an arid climate on the leeward slope.