Trade Winds Flashcards

Flashcards about the causes and characteristics of trade winds (Easterlies).

Trade Winds (Easterlies)

Winds blowing from east to west, influenced by Earth's rotation and uneven heating of the surface.

Coriolis Effect

The Earth's rotation causes moving air to deflect right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Uneven Heating of Earth's Surface

The sun heats the equator more than the poles, causing air movement and influencing wind patterns.

Formation of Trade Winds

Warm air rises at the equator, cooler air moves in, Earth's rotation bends this moving air, and steady east-to-west winds form.