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Global Wind Patterns
wind belts of the general circulation
The global wind pattern is also known as the
"general circulation" and the
surface winds of each hemisphere are divided into three wind belts:
- Polar Easterlies: From 60-90 degrees latitude.
- Prevailing Westerlies: From 30-60 degrees latitude (aka Westerlies).
- Tropical Easterlies: From 0-30 degrees latitude (aka Trade Winds).
[Image: average global wind pattern (45K)]
The easterly trade winds of both hemispheres
converge
at an area near the equator called the
"Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)",
producing a narrow band of clouds and thunderstorms
that encircle portions of the globe.
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![[Image: average global wind pattern (45K)]](/guides/mtr/hurr/gifs/mvmt1.gif){kind=link}