What is the difference between the trade winds and polar easterlies?
Trade winds and polar easterlies are both global wind systems, but they differ in their location, direction, and strength.
Trade winds:
1. Location: Trade winds are located between 30° latitude and the equator in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
2. Direction: Trade winds flow from the subtropical high-pressure belts towards the equator, resulting in a westerly flow near the surface.
3. Strength: Trade winds are relatively consistent and strong, with speeds typically ranging from 5 to 20 knots.
Polar easterlies:
1. Location: Polar easterlies are located near the poles, between 60° latitude and the poles in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
2. Direction: Polar easterlies flow from the polar high-pressure belts towards the mid-latitudes, resulting in an easterly flow near the surface.
3. Strength: Polar easterlies are generally weaker and more variable compared to trade winds, with speeds typically ranging from 3 to 8 knots.
In summary, the main differences between trade winds and polar easterlies lie in their location, direction of flow, and strength. Trade winds are located near the equator, flow towards the equator, and are stronger, while polar easterlies are located near the poles, flow towards the mid-latitudes, and are weaker and more variable.