The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow

desert

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is formed, showing the movement of moist

air

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from the coast over a

mountain

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range and its subsequent transformation into dry

air

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on the inland

side

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.

Overall

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, the process consists of seven main stages. Winds

initially

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carry moist

air

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inland from the sea, which is

then

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forced upwards by the

mountains

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. As the

air

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rises, it cools and forms clouds, resulting in rainfall on the windward

side

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. Having lost much of its moisture, the

air

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subsequently

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descends on the opposite

side

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of the

mountains

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, becoming increasingly dry and eventually creating a rain-shadow

desert

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.

Initially

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, winds from the sea approach the coast and push moist

air

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upwards as they encounter the

mountain

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range. As

this

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air

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rises along the windward slope, its temperature decreases, causing condensation and the formation of clouds. Once sufficient moisture has accumulated, rain falls on the windward

side

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of the

mountains

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.

This

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stage represents the main point at which the

air

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loses its moisture. After passing over the

mountain

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peak, the now-drier

air

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continues towards the leeward

side

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. As it descends, it becomes warmer and progressively drier. The dry winds

then

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continue inland across the leeward

side

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of the

mountain

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range. Ultimately, these arid conditions extend across the inland area, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow

desert

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. The entire process can occur over a distance of thousands of kilometres, with the

desert

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developing on the

side

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of the

mountains

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that receives little or no rainfall.