Why Is the Climate Drier on the Leeward Side of Mountain

Multiple Choice

Why is the climate drier on the leeward side of mountain ranges that are subjected to prevailing winds?

A) Deserts create dry conditions on the leeward side of mountain ranges.
B) The sun illuminates the leeward side of mountain ranges at a more direct angle, creating heat energy that evaporates most of the water present.
C) Pushed by the prevailing winds on the windward side, air is forced to rise, cool, condense, and drop its precipitation, leaving drier air to descend the leeward side.
D) Air masses pushed by the prevailing winds are stopped by mountain ranges, and the moisture is used up in the stagnant air masses on the leeward side.
E) When compared to the windward side, more organisms live on the sheltered, leeward side of mountain ranges where their utilization of water lowers the amount available.