Wind Patterns

Global Wind Patterns

The Earth's rotation causes the Coriolis effect, which deflects winds to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere. This effect influences the global wind patterns.

Trade Winds

Trade winds are located between 30 degrees latitude and the equator. They blow from the northeast in the northern hemisphere and from the southeast in the southern hemisphere.

Westerlies

Located between 30 and 60 degrees latitude, the westerlies blow from the southwest in the northern hemisphere and from the northwest in the southern hemisphere.

Polar Easterlies

Between 60 and 90 degrees latitude, the polar easterlies blow from the northeast in the northern hemisphere and from the southeast in the southern hemisphere.

Local Wind Patterns

Local wind patterns are influenced by the topography of the land, the proximity to large bodies of water, and temperature differences.

Sea Breezes

During the day, the land heats up faster than the water. The warm air over the land rises, drawing the cool air from the sea to replace it, creating a sea breeze.

Land Breezes

At night, the land cools faster than the water. The warm air over the water rises, drawing the cool air from the land to replace it, creating a land breeze.

Mountain and Valley Breezes

During the day, the sun heats the mountain slopes, causing air to rise and creating valley breezes. At night, the slopes cool, causing the air to sink and creating mountain breezes.

Study Guide

1. Explain the Coriolis effect and its influence on global wind patterns.
2. Describe the characteristics and locations of trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies.
3. Discuss the factors that influence local wind patterns, such as sea breezes, land breezes, and mountain/valley breezes.
4. Compare and contrast the causes and effects of global and local wind patterns.
5. Apply the understanding of wind patterns to analyze the influence on weather and climate in different regions of the world.

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