The side of a mountain that faces the moisture-rich ocean air is called the windward side.

Here's why:

* Windward means "facing the wind." Mountains block wind, and the windward side is the side where the wind first hits.

* Ocean air is often moist, meaning it carries a lot of water vapor.

* As moist air is forced to rise up the mountain, it cools. This cooling causes the water vapor to condense, forming clouds and precipitation.

So, the windward side of a mountain typically receives more rain or snow than the leeward side (the side facing away from the ocean and wind).