An island's windward side faces the prevailing, or trade, winds, whereas the island's leeward side faces away from the wind, sheltered from prevailing winds by hills and mountains. ... Thus, an island's windward side is wetter and more verdant than its drier leeward side.

Why does the windward side of a mountain?

When air runs into a mountain, the side of the mountain that it hits first is called the windward side. ... The reason is that air is descending on the leeward side of the mountain, and descending air is warmer and drier, which is the opposite of ascending air.

Why is it called Windward and Leeward?

They are referred to as the Windward Islands due to their location on the path of Northeastern trade winds. ... They are referred to as the Leeward Islands due to their location away from the trade winds.