What are the winds called that blow from east to west as part of the Hadley circulation?

Prepare for the Mississippi State Weather and Climate Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to boost your readiness. Ace your test with confidence!

The winds that blow from east to west as part of the Hadley circulation are known as trade winds. This phenomenon occurs in the tropics, where warm air rises near the equator, creating an area of low pressure. As the air rises, it cools and moves toward the poles, but due to the Coriolis effect, it is deflected to the west. This deflection results in the trade winds, which typically flow from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and from the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere.

These trade winds are crucial for various weather patterns and are part of the larger atmospheric circulation system. They aid in the formation of tropical weather systems and play a significant role in global climate patterns. Understanding how these winds function within the Hadley circulation helps explain many atmospheric phenomena, including tropical storms and shifts in climate zones.

Other options refer to different wind patterns. Prevailing westerlies blow from west to east in the mid-latitudes, polar winds, occurring in the polar regions, are influenced by cold temperatures, and equatorial winds generally refer to winds that circulate around the equator without the distinct east-to-west movement of the trade winds.

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