how are deserts formed
How Deserts are Formed. Deserts are formed when rain clouds run into wind or mountains and drop rain in one area, leaving the land further away dry. Deserts that form near bodies of water are usually caused by winds. For example, the Sahara desert, near the Mediterranean. Deserts near mountains are formed when rain clouds drop their rain on one side, and the land on the other side of the mountains stays dry.