When moist air from over an ocean moves inland and up a mountain slope, it causes heavy precipitation on the windward side. On the leeward side of the mountain, the region receives far less rain. This is referred to as

A) lake effect.
B) eutrophication.
C) a montane successional gradient.
D) a monsoon climate.
E) rain shadow.

Precipitation

The process by which water leaves the atmosphere and falls to the ground as water, ice, or snow.

Rain Shadow

A dry area on the leeward side of a mountainous area, where precipitation is significantly less than on the windward side.

Windward Side

The side of an object or geography that faces the direction from which the wind is blowing; often receives more rainfall and has cooler temperatures.