Global Winds Winds that blow steadily from specific directions over long distances

Temperatures near the poles are much lower than they are near the equator and so the movement of air between the equator and the poles produces global winds.

The Coriolis Effect Global winds do not follow a straight path because the earth rotates from west to east. The winds seem curved.

In the Northern Hemisphere, global winds turn toward the right. In the Southern Hemisphere, winds curve toward the left.

Global Wind Belts Doldrums – near the equator Horse latitudes – warm air from the equator divides and flows north and south

Trade winds – Steady easterly winds Prevailing westerlies – Winds that blow toward the poles are turned toward the east.

Polar Easterlies – Cold air near the poles sinks back towards the lower latitudes.