Briefly describe where deserts develop and why.

Deserts develop in the rain shadows of mountain ranges or continental interiors. Mountains force humid air upward, which removes the water from the air. As the air travels down the other side of the mountain, the air is warmed and more water evaporates. Together, this decreases the amount of water in the air and lessens the chance of precipitation over the lands on the side of the mountains away from the prevailing wind.