Winds
By: Karissa Zocco
General Information on Wind
Wind is the horizontal movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. Wind is caused by differences in air pressure.
Local Winds
Local winds:
- Wind that blows over short distances
- Created by unequal heating of Earth's surface over a short area
- Two types of local winds
Sea Breeze:
- Blows from the water (ocean, lake, or sea) towards the land
- Happens during the day
Land Breeze:
- Blows from the land towards the water
- Happens during the night
Global Winds
Global Winds:
- Wind that blows over large areas
- These winds travel around the world
- Created by the unequal heating of Earth's surface over a large area
- Blow from the North and South Pole to the equator
- Cold air blows from the North and South Poles and warm air blows from the equator
- Winds that blow at the equator and are very weak.
- Between 0 degrees and 30 degrees latitude and are very strong
- Sailors use these winds to help them carry cargo to other countries to trade goods
- Between 30 degrees and 60 degrees north and south latitude and blow from the west
Polar Easterlies:
- Blow from the North and South Pole to the equator
Trade Winds
0 to 30 degrees.
Prevailing Westerlies
30 to 60 degrees.
Polar Easterlies
North to South Pole.
Doldrums
Located near the equator.