How does the rain-shadow effect contribute to the dryness of the North American Desert?

The North American Desert is a vast, arid region situated within the intermontane area between the Rocky Mountains to the east and the moist, fertile coast ranges along the Pacific Ocean to the west.5

The rain-shadow effect is a primary contributor to the region's dryness. As moisture-laden air masses move inland from the Pacific, they are forced to rise over high mountain barriers, such as the Sierra Nevada. As this air ascends, it cools and loses its moisture as precipitation on the windward slopes.1234

By the time the air descends on the leeward side of these mountains, it has been depleted of its moisture. As this air sinks, it becomes compressed and warmer, which increases its capacity to retain moisture and inhibits the formation of clouds and rain. This process creates a sheltered, rain-starved environment in the interior, resulting in the characteristic aridity of the North American Desert.34125