The measured rainfall shown in the figure below is characteristic of a ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The measured rainfall pattern shown in the figure is characteristic of a rain-shadow desert, which is a type of desert that forms on the leeward side of a mountain range or highland area, where the prevailing winds moving across the region cause the air to rise and cool, leading to condensation and precipitation on the windward side of the mountains. By the time the air reaches the other side of the range, it has lost its moisture content, resulting in a region that is dry and arid. The rainfall pattern in the figure shows a clear contrast between the relatively lush vegetation on the windward side and the dry, desert conditions on the leeward side, which is indicative of a rain-shadow desert. The other three options (coastal desert, subtropical desert, and continental-interior desert) are not supported by the rainfall pattern shown in the figure.

The Measured Rainfall Shown in the Figure Below Is Characteristic