1.3.3

Surface Winds

Test yourself

The Different Types of Surface Winds

At 30o north and south, the air from the equator cools and falls. When the cool air reaches the Earth's surface, surface winds blow the cool air either towards the equator, or away from the equator towards the Poles.

Illustrative background for What are trade winds?Illustrative background for What are trade winds? ?? "content

What are trade winds?

  • Trade winds are surface winds that blow from 30o north or 30o south back towards the equator.
    • In the southern hemisphere, trade winds will blow from south-east to north-west until they reach the equator.
    • In the northern hemisphere, trade winds blow from north-east to south-west until they reach the equator.
  • Trade winds from the northern & southern hemisphere meet at the equator, where they are heated and the cycle begins again.
Illustrative background for What are westerlies?Illustrative background for What are westerlies? ?? "content

What are westerlies?

  • Westerlies are surface winds that blow from 30o north towards the North Pole or from 30o south out towards the South Pole.
    • In the southern hemisphere, westerlies blow from north-west to south-east until they reach the South Pole.
    • In the northern hemisphere, westerlies blow from south-west to north-east until they reach the North Pole.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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