What is meant by the term Leeward?

The term "Leeward" refers specifically to the side of a mountain or landmass that is sheltered from the prevailing winds. This means that it is the side that faces away from the wind, making it typically drier and warmer than the windward side, where air is forced to rise and cool, leading to precipitation. Understanding the concept of leeward is crucial in fields such as geography and meteorology, as it affects climate patterns, vegetation, and even wildlife in different regions.

The other options relate to wind and weather in various ways, but they do not accurately define "leeward." The side of a mountain that receives the most rainfall describes the windward side rather than the leeward side. A direction directly towards the wind is known as "windward." Finally, while clouds might gather in areas where air is rising, this concept is also more associated with the windward side, not leeward. Thus, recognizing that leeward means being sheltered from the wind clarifies its significance in understanding weather patterns and geographical formations.