Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 6.13 An area of frequent depression formation along
the steep temperature gradient between the Labrador current
and the Gulf Stream off the north-eastern United States.
globe - which provide much of the climatic variation and consistency in the world. We
have already indicated that the westerly winds dominate the climate of the temperate
latitudes; similarly, the equatorwards movement of air in the regular easterly trade winds
has a prevailing influence on tropical climates.
SURFACE WINDS
Four main surface wind belts can be distinguished. Around the equator, in the low-
pressure equatorial trough, occurs a zone of convergence where the north-easterly trade
winds blowing from the Tropic of Cancer meet the south-easterly trade winds blowing
from the Tropic of Capricorn. Either side of the equatorial trough these winds dominate,
giving the trade-wind belt. Polewards of the tropics, in the temperate latitudes, we find a
zone of prevailing westerlies, while around the poles occurs a belt of easterlies. We will
examine each of these zones separately, but as we do so it is important to remember that,
in reality, these wind belts do not operate in isolation. They are closely interrelated (Plate
6.3).
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