Question

What is winds? Explain the different types of wind systems.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Define winds.
• Describe the process of wind formation.
• Explain planetary, seasonal and local wind systems.

Solution:
Horizontal movement of air is called wind. This wind starts to blow because of uneven heating of the earth’s surface by the sun.

Some parts receive direct sunlight, like in equatorial areas, and are warm. Other areas, like the polar region, receive slant sun rays and are comparatively cooler. This high temperature creates a low-pressure zone, and a cooler climate leads to a high-pressure region. The air starts to move, or the wind blows from the high-pressure region towards the low-pressure area. This is how winds are created.

There are three types of wind systems:

• Planetary winds: these winds blow throughout the year on the earth’s surface, and there is no change in their direction. North-eastern and south-eastern trade winds are examples of planetary winds.
• Seasonal winds: these winds change their direction after every season; an example is monsoon winds over India.
• Local winds: These winds cover minimal areas or are localised and blow during a specific period of day or year, like land and sea breeze, which we see in the coastal areas.