The windward side of a mountain or island is the side that faces the prevailing winds, receiving more precipitation due to the orographic effect. This results in lush vegetation and a wetter climate compared to the leeward side, which is sheltered from the wind and typically drier.

Windward Side

windward side

Prevailing winds are large-scale wind patterns that blow consistently from a single general direction over a particular region, influenced by the Earth's rotation and atmospheric circulation. These winds play a crucial role in determining climate patterns, ocean currents, and weather systems globally.

prevailing winds

Precipitation is a meteorological phenomenon where water in various forms, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. It plays a crucial role in the Earth's water cycle, influencing weather patterns and climate systems globally.

precipitation

The orographic effect is a meteorological phenomenon where moist air is forced to ascend over a mountain range, cooling and condensing to produce precipitation on the windward side, while creating drier conditions on the leeward side, known as a rain shadow. This effect significantly influences local climate patterns, vegetation, and water resources in mountainous regions.

orographic effect

lush vegetation

wetter climate

The leeward side of a geographical feature, like a mountain, is the side sheltered from the prevailing wind, often resulting in drier conditions due to the rain shadow effect. This phenomenon significantly influences local climate, vegetation, and human settlement patterns in the region.

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