Global Winds

What are they? These are winds that are affected by the unequal heating of the earth’s surface. Caused by regions of high pressure and lower pressure that form. Differences in pressure and temperature set up a large system of winds around the globe.

Global Wind Systems: Doldrums Located at the equator Very warm air keeps the pressure very low Winds are weak if any arise

Global Wind Systems: Trade Winds Located between 0° - 30° North and South Latitude Air from the equator cools and sinks Air moves toward the equator Produces warm steady winds

Global Wind Systems: Trade Winds (continued) Northern Hemisphere: Northeast Trades Southern Hemisphere: Southeast Trades 30° North or South = Horse Latitudes

Global Wind Systems: Prevailing Westerlies Located between 40° - 60° in both hemispheres Air from the equator moves toward the poles It’s deflected east in both hemispheres These winds are strong and constant

Global Wind Systems: Polar Easterlies Located between 60° - 90° in both hemispheres Cold air from the poles flows toward the equator Winds are deflected west Cold, weak winds

Jet Streams High speed winds Located at ~12km in altitude They can move north or south depending on other weather factors Have a great impact on the daily weather.

Global winds and the Coriolis Effect Global winds are affected by the Coriolis Effect There is a shift in the winds due to the rotation of the earth. Northern Hemisphere winds are shifted right Southern Hemisphere winds are shifted left.