Which of the following is the permanent wind of the tropical region ?

The correct answer is 'Trade winds'

Key Points

• Trade Winds:
  • Trade winds are a type of permanent wind that blow consistently in a specific direction throughout the year in the tropical regions of the Earth.
  • They blow from the subtropical high-pressure belts (approximately 30° latitude in both hemispheres) toward the equatorial low-pressure zone, also known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
  • In the Northern Hemisphere, trade winds blow from the northeast (northeast trade winds), and in the Southern Hemisphere, they blow from the southeast (southeast trade winds).
  • These winds play a crucial role in global weather systems and ocean currents, such as the formation of the North and South Equatorial Currents in the oceans.
  • The consistent nature of trade winds made them highly significant for maritime navigation during the age of exploration and trade.

Additional Information

• Westerlies:
  • Westerlies are winds that blow from the west to the east, primarily between 30° and 60° latitude in both hemispheres.
  • They are not permanent winds in the tropical regions but are instead associated with the temperate zones.
  • Westerlies are responsible for driving weather systems across mid-latitudes and influencing ocean currents like the Gulf Stream.
• Polar Winds:
  • Polar winds, also known as polar easterlies, blow from the polar high-pressure zones toward the subpolar low-pressure zones.
  • These winds are cold and dry and are found in the polar regions (above 60° latitude).
  • Polar winds are not relevant to the tropical regions and hence are an incorrect answer to the question.
• Chinook Winds:
  • Chinook winds are warm, dry, and localized winds that occur on the leeward side of mountain ranges, such as the Rocky Mountains in North America.
  • They are caused by the adiabatic heating of air as it descends and are not permanent winds or associated with the tropical regions.
  • Chinook winds are often referred to as "snow-eaters" because they can cause rapid snowmelt due to their warmth.