Question

Which of the following phenomena contribute to the formation of the trade winds and westerlies in the Earth's atmosphere?

1. Coriolis effect
2. Jet streams
3. Orographic lifting
4. El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

• A. i only
• B. i, iv
• C. All
• D. ii only

Answer 1

Answer:

A. i only

Trade winds

• Trade winds are a consistent and prevailing pattern of winds that blow steadily from east to west in the Earth's equatorial region
• They are a key component of the Earth's atmospheric circulation and play a significant role in shaping global weather patterns
• The trade winds blow mainly from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere
• They are also known as 'The Easterlies'
• Historically, trade winds were crucial for maritime navigation.
• Sailors often used trade winds to facilitate their voyages, as they provided consistent and predictable wind patterns for east-west travel.

The Coriolis effect

• The Coriolis effect is a result of the Earth's rotation, causing moving air masses to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
• This deflection leads to the creation of distinct wind patterns, including the trade winds and westerlies.
• In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects air masses to the right, creating the northeast trade winds.
• In the Southern Hemisphere, it deflects air masses to the left, forming the southeast trade winds.