Diverting rainfall disrupts the natural orographic lift that sustains windward ecosystems. When moisture is stripped, these regions face rapid desiccation. Forests adapted to consistent fog and rain die off, leaving soil exposed to wind erosion. This is a forced drought.
On the receiving end, leeward areas often lack the soil structure to handle excess precipitation. Heavy rain leaches nitrates and phosphorus from the earth, starving native flora. Water-logged soil triggers root rot in species evolved for arid conditions. This opens the door for invasive weeds that thrive in wet soil, pushing out indigenous plants.
Hydrological cycles break. Aquifers that relied on steady windward infiltration stop recharging. Local springs vanish. The result is a shift toward sterile dust bowls or swampy monocultures.
