What geographical term would describe an area with limited rainfall caused by mountain ranges?

A rain shadow refers to a geographic phenomenon where an area experiences significantly reduced rainfall due to the presence of a mountain range. When moist air flows over the mountains, it is forced to rise, which causes the air to cool and lose moisture in the form of precipitation on the windward side of the range. As the air descends on the leeward side, it warms up and retains moisture, resulting in arid or semi-arid conditions. Therefore, the area sheltered from the moisture-laden winds receives much less rainfall, leading to the distinct dry environment known as a rain shadow. This term accurately describes the relationship between the mountains and the resulting climatic conditions in the affected area.

The other terms refer to different geographical features: a peninsula is a landform surrounded by water on three sides; an archipelago is a group of islands; and a delta is a landform formed at the mouth of a river where it meets a body of water, often characterized by sediment deposits. These concepts do not relate to the phenomenon of reduced rainfall due to mountain ranges.