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Which parts of Asia receive the least rainfall?
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Asia
Map showing the countries and national capitals of Asia.
In Asia, the regions that receive the least rainfall are primarily located in the interior of the continent, where mountain barriers and vast distances from oceans prevent moisture-laden air from reaching the land.1
The areas with the lowest annual precipitation include:
- Deserts of West, Middle, and Central Asia: These regions often receive less than 10 inches (250 mm) of rain annually, with some specific locations recording less than 4 inches (100 mm).2
- The Gobi Desert: Spanning parts of northern China and southern Mongolia, this area receives little annual precipitation, typically ranging from less than 2 inches (50 mm) in the west to about 8 inches (200 mm) in the northeast. Its aridity is largely due to its inland location and the rain shadow effect created by the Himalayas, which blocks moisture from the Indian Ocean.34
- Northeastern Siberia: This region also experiences very low annual precipitation, averaging less than 10 inches (250 mm).2
These arid conditions are a result of the continent's complex atmospheric circulation and the isolating effect of major mountain ranges, which restrict the penetration of moist air masses into the interior.1