Trade Winds

Trade winds are steady, prevailing winds that blow from east to west in the tropics, particularly between the latitudes of about 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south. They are caused by the Earth's rotation and the uneven heating of its surface by the sun. These winds have historically been crucial for sailing ships, as they helped navigate across oceans, influencing global trade routes. The consistent nature of trade winds also plays a key role in weather patterns and ocean currents, contributing to tropical climates and the distribution of heat around the planet.