The diagram demonstrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed.
Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with winds approaching coast from the sea, and concluding with the formation of dry winds in inland. The mountain acts as a dividing barrier between windward side and leeward side.
On the windward side, winds first approach coast from the sea. They are then pushed upwards, causing the moister air to rise and cool. As winds continue rising, clouds are formed, and eventually rain falls near the mountain peak.
On the leeward side, the situation is different. The air loses its moister and becomes dry. This dry air continues to move down over the mountain. Finally, dry winds reach inland areas, as a result, a rain-shadow desert is formed in the inland region.
