Question

Explain the different types of Permanent winds.

Answer 1

The winds which constantly flow in the same direction throughout the year are called Planetary winds. They are also called as Permanent winds or the prevailing winds. These winds include

• Tradewinds:

1. Trade winds blow from the subtropical high-pressure belt to the equatorial low-pressure belt in both the hemispheres.
2. They blow with great regularity, force and in a constant direction throughout the year.
3. These winds were very helpful to traders who depended on the winds while sailing in the seas. Hence they are named as Trade winds.
4. As they travel over vast oceans, they collect more moisture and bring heavy rainfall, to the East Coast of the continents of the tropics.
5. As they move westwards, they become dry and do not give rainfall.

• Westerlies:

1. Westerlies are the permanent winds that blow from the tropical high-pressure belt to the subpolar low-pressure belt in both the hemispheres.
2. They blow from South West to North East in the northern hemisphere and North West to South East in the Southern hemisphere.
3. The velocity of westerlies become so vigorous and fast to be called Roaring Forties at 40°, Furious Fifties at 50°, and Screaming Sixties at 60° latitudes.

• Polar Easterlies:

1. Polar Easterlies are cold and dry polar winds.
2. They blow from the polar high-pressure belt to the subpolar low-pressure belt.
3. These are weak winds blowing from North East-direction in the Northern Hemisphere and South East-direction in the Southern Hemisphere.