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Where is the rain shadow region of the Atacama found?

Weather and climateRain shadows

Quick Answer

The Atacama’s rain shadow is on the western side of the Andes in northern Chile and southern Peru. Moist air loses much of its rain on the eastern slopes before reaching the coast.

The Full Story

The rain shadow associated with the Atacama lies mainly west of the Andes Mountains in northern Chile and parts of southern Peru. Moist air moving in from the east rises over the Andes, cools, and drops precipitation on the windward side. By the time the air descends toward the Pacific coast, it is much drier. Combined with the cold Humboldt Current, this helps make the Atacama one of the world’s driest desert regions.

Key Facts

1.Located west of the Andes in Chile and Peru
2.Created by moist air losing rain on the Andes
3.Strengthened by the cold Humboldt Current

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"How mountains and oceans combine to make a desert"