The diagram illustrates how one type of desert, called a rain-shadow desert, is formed.
Overall, the process consists of three main stages, starting with winds moving upwards over the windward side of the mountains, followed by raining, and ending with falling dry air toward the leeward side of the mountains. Additionally, the process is a natural one, and does not require a human intervention.
Focusing on the initial phase of the process, winds approach the coast over the sea before being pushed upwards over the windward side. Once winds are pushed upwards, they become moist air, which then rises further and cools in order to form clouds, which then produce rain.
Upon the completion of this stage, air loses its moisture and results in dry air, which then continues over the leeward side. Following this, the dry winds eventually reach inland areas, forming the rain-shadow desert. Furthermore, the rain-shadow desert can extend across inland areas over thousands of kilometres.
