Which of the following best describes a rain shadow desert?

• A. A desert located near the equator with high temperatures and low rainfall.
• B. A desert formed by the accumulation of sand dunes in coastal areas.
• C. A desert formed on the leeward side of a mountain range due to dry air descending.
• D. A desert that experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key concept: A rain shadow desert is formed due to the geographical and meteorological phenomenon known as the 'rain shadow effect'.
2. Understand the rain shadow effect: When moist air ascends a mountain range, it cools and loses moisture in the form of precipitation on the windward side, leading to lush vegetation.
3. Recognize the leeward side: After the air has lost its moisture, it descends on the leeward side of the mountain, becoming warmer and drier, creating arid conditions.
4. Connect the concept to the options: The correct description of a rain shadow desert is one that forms on the leeward side of a mountain range due to the descending dry air.
5. Eliminate incorrect options: The other options describe different types of deserts or conditions, such as equatorial deserts, coastal sand dune deserts, and monsoon-affected areas, which do not fit the rain shadow desert description.