What is racemization.

Racemization is a process wherein optically active compounds (which consist of only one enantiomer) are converted into an equal mixture of enantiomers with zero optical activity (a racemic mixture). Racemization rates are dependent on the molecule and conditions such as pH and temperature.

a rain shadow is a dry region of land on the side that is protected against the prevailing winds of a mountain range. the prevailing winds are the winds that occur most of the time in a particular place of the earth

prevailing winds carry air toward the mountain range. as the air rises up over a mountain range, the air cools, water vapor condenses, and clouds form. on this side of the mountains, called the windward side, precipitation falls in the form of  rain  or snow. this dry air produces a  rain shadow.