How does the location of alice springs, Australia help explain why it receives less rainfall than Portland Oregon

Question

I need help with this question.  

 

Answer 1

Alice Springs is located right in the middle of the Australian Outback, with the closest ocean in any direction being roughly 300 miles away. Rainfall rarely makes it this far inland onto the Australian landmass, resulting in Alice Springs having an extremely dry climate. In contrast, Portland, Oregon is only located about 50 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, and consistent sea currents bring a steady stream of moist, rain-producing clouds towards Portland and the rest of the Pacific Northwest.

Answer 2

Alice Springs is in the desert.  Portland is not in a desert.