In this episode, we discuss surface winds.

Global air circulation creates distinct surface wind patterns. Around 30 degrees latitude north and south, descending air generates winds that travel either towards the equator or the poles.

Trade winds are those surface winds returning to the equator from these latitudes, blowing south-westerly in the northern hemisphere and north-westerly in the southern hemisphere.

Conversely, westerlies are surface winds moving away from 30 degrees latitude towards the poles, travelling north-easterly in the northern hemisphere and south-easterly in the southern hemisphere.

The meeting of trade winds at the equator completes this continuous atmospheric cycle.

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