WINDS

The horizontal movement of air is described as the wind caused by the heating of the sun and the rotational movement of the earth. The natural and continuous movement or displacement of air or other gaseous substances in the earthly atmosphere with reference to a planet’s surface. 

Read more: What are winds?

EASTERLIES

Easterlies are prevailing winds that blow from the polar regions towards lower latitudes. If a moving object is going from north or south towards the equator, it will deflect towards west which is due to Coriolis force. So easterlies, are prevailing winds that blow from the east to west in polar and tropical region. These winds are instrumental in the formation of the polar vortex, a swirling mass of cold air that can influence weather patterns across large areas.

Read more: About easterlies

WESTERLIES

If a moving object is going towards north or south from the equator, it will deflect towards east due to Coriolis force. These winds are influenced by the Earth’s rotation and the temperature difference between the equator and the poles. So westerlies, are prevailing winds that blow from the west to east in between 30° – 60° N and S.

Read more: About westerlies

CAUSES OF WINDS

1. Pressure Differences

2. Temperature and Solar Radiation

3. Coriolis Effect

4. Topography

Read more: Causes of winds