Major global wind belts Trade winds Polar easterlies Global Winds Global winds- winds that blow steadily from specific directions over long distances. Major global wind belts Trade winds Polar easterlies Prevailing westerlies Image on p. 51

Global Winds Doldrums Direct sun rays hit equator and strongly heats Earth’s surface Warm air will ______ (rise or sink) creating ______ (high or low) pressure. Cool air moves in but is warmed rapidly Little horizontal motion so winds near equator are weak Horse Latitudes Latitude- distance from equator measured in degrees ~30 N and S latitudes, the air stops moving toward poles and sinks creating a belt of air How did this wind belt get its name “Horse Latitudes”? Write a sentence in your own words.

Global Winds Trade Winds Between 30 L and the equator in both hemispheres Rotation of Earth causes trade wind to curve west Named because sailors relied on them to sail from Europe to Americas Westerlies Between 30 and 60 L in both hemispheres. Rotation of Earth causes wind to curve east Can carry moist air over the U.S. producing rain and snow

Global Winds Polar Easterlies Between poles and 60 L in both hemispheres Rotation of Earth causes winds to curve west Can carry cold Arctic air over most of U.S. producing snow and freezing weather.