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The rainshadow effect is what creates deserts to the east of mountain ranges in the northern hemisphere. Because our weather systems move basically from west to east, when a storm hits a mountain range the air is forced to rise over the mountain. When air rises, it cools, condenses and most of the moisture falls as rain or snow. By the time the system gets over the mountain there isn't enough moisture left to cause rain, so you get a desert on that side of the mountain.

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Are deserts often located in rain shadows?

Yes, many deserts are located in rain shadows. The deserts of North America as well as the Atacama Desert of South America are rain shadow deserts.


Why is a desert dry?

Because there is little to no water around. Therefore no plants etc To answer this question it's helpful to understand how deserts are formed. Deserts can be formed by wind erosion, rain shadows, etc..


Does the rain shadow effect cause natural desert formation?

Yes, the Sonoran Desert is a rain shadow desert. The Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico blocks most moisture from reaching the area.


Is true or false deserts often form in a rain shadow?

Many of the deserts around the world form in mountain rain shadows.


How are inland deserts formed?

Mainly due to the "rain shadow" effect


Coastal deserts are usually the result of?

Rain shadows and cold ocean currents can cause coastal deserts.


What are most deserts formed near?

Most deserts are formed on the leeward side of mountain ranges. The mountains block moisture from entering the region so little rain falls.


What does rainshadow have to do with desert formation?

Mountains block moisture from crossing into the leeward side, forcing most rain to fall on the windward side of the mountain. The leeward side is considered as a desert.


Which two deserts found on the Turan Plain formed as a result of the rain shadow nearby mountains?

The two deserts found on the Turan Plain that were formed as a result of rain shadow from nearby mountains are the Karakum and the Kyzlkum. They valley that separates them is the Amu Darya valley.


Can a desert be formed anywhere?

No, deserts can only form in areas with specific geographic conditions - such as a rain shadow.


Which two deserts found on the Turan Plain formed as a result of rain shadow from nearby mountains?

The two deserts found on the Turan Plain that were formed as a result of rain shadow from nearby mountains are the Karakum and the Kyzlkum. They valley that separates them is the Amu Darya valley.


What are the names of the two deserts caused by mountain rain shadows?

Sonoran Desert, Mojave Desert, Chihuahuan Desert, Great Basin Desert, Atacama Desert, Namib Deserts and a few others. Take your pick.