Rain shadow
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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.
Effect of a rain shadow
The Tibetan Plateau (center), perhaps the best example of a rain shadow. Rainfalls from the southern South Asian monsoon do not make it far past the Himalayas (seen by the snow line at the bottom), leading to an arid climate on the leeward (north) side of the mountain range and the desertification of the Tarim Basin (top).
The Atlas mountains' (top) rain shadow effect makes the Sahara even drier.
The mountain ranges on the eastern side of Madagascar provide a rain shadow for the country's western portion.
Rain
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Rain is water droplets that have condensed from atmospheric water vapor and then fall under gravity. Rain is a major component of the water cycle and is responsible for depositing most of the fresh water on the Earth. It provides water for hydroelectric power plants, crop irrigation, and suitable conditions for many types of ecosystems.
Heavy rainfall on a roof
Convective precipitation
Orographic precipitation
Band of thunderstorms seen on a weather radar display