Which is windward side

Perhaps even a mountainous island. Think of the coin. Think of the island. This is the colder, wetter side of an island. It is subject to consistent winds that blow cool, moist air upward.

As this air is lifted, due to a decrease in atmospheric pressure, it begins to cool scientifically called adiabatic cooling.

Cooler air is not able to hold as much water vapor as warm air, so at some point the moisture in the air begins to condense and clouds form. As condensation occurs, it releases heat into the surrounding air.

This effect is called latent heat of condensation. By the time the air descends down the other side of an island or mountain , most of its moisture has been condensed out. As the air continues to descend towards sea level, atmospheric pressure increases which causes a temperature increase. Because of all of this scientifically called adiabatic warming , the leeward side is generally warmer and drier.

Climate is a significant driving factor in the creation and sustainability of ecosystems and habitats. The prevalence of rain on windward sides of islands promotes the growth of vegetation whereas the leeward side flora is acclimated to a drier climate. Share Flipboard Email. Tiffany Means. Meteorology Expert. Updated January 14, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Means, Tiffany. How to "Speak" Weather Forecasting. Winds and the Pressure Gradient Force. An Overview of Valley Formation and Development.

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All of the Hawaiian Islands have both a windward and a leeward side. In general terms, the windward side is the wet, rainy, and therefore more lush, green, and tropical section.

The windward side faces North or East, where it receives the benefit of the cool, trade-wind breeze. As a result, the leeward side is generally more abundant in sunshine and less likely to be rainy or cool. Due to its hot, dry nature, the leeward side is lined with fabulous beaches drenched in the sun—and is therefore the side beach-focused vacationers tend to prefer. On the Big Island—where Volcano Village Lodge and 5th Street Ohana call home—lush, green, and wet are the key elements of the rainforest locale.

The moist air feeds the gorgeous landscape, and is therefore the lifeblood of the windward side.