An acoustic shadow is an area where sound waves are significantly reduced or blocked, making it difficult to hear sounds from a source. This phenomenon occurs when sound waves encounter obstacles, such as buildings or hills, which can absorb or reflect the sound. As a result, the area behind the obstacle experiences a drop in sound intensity. Acoustic shadows can also be influenced by environmental factors like temperature and humidity. For example, in certain weather conditions, sound waves can bend or refract, creating unexpected areas of silence. Understanding acoustic shadows is important in fields like architecture, urban planning, and acoustics.