Question

Explain the following terms:
(a) Polar winds
(b) The Westerlies
(c) The Coriolis force

Answer 1

(a): Polar Wind: This wind blows between ${60}^o$ to ${65}^o$ latitudes. These polar winds are mainly easterly. These high latitude areas are mostly ice caped so there is an outflow of cold and dry polar wind. Near the pole, there are strong polar fronts. In the polar region, the velocity and direction of seasonal winds depend on local condition.

(b): The Westerlies: The westerlies prevail between latitudes 35degree and 60degree or 65degree North and South in both the hemisphere. The westerlies blow from the horse latitudes towards sub-Polar low-pressure belt in each hemisphere.The westerlies are highly variable winds, blowing at times with gale force and at other times they are gentle as a mild breeze.

(c): The Coriolis force: The Coriolis force produced by the rotation of the earth has it's effect on every moving object, whether it is an ocean current or a bullet fired from the gun. Coriolis force is zero at the equator and maximum at the poles. In the northern hemisphere the Coriolis force acts to the right of the direction of the wind and in the southern hemisphere the Coriolis it acts to the left.