Trade winds are a type of wind system that blows in a specific direction and is driven by global temperature and pressure differences. These winds have a major impact on global weather patterns and maritime trade routes, and have played a significant role in the development of civilizations throughout history.

For the UPSC exam, it is important to understand the basic characteristics and patterns of trade winds, as well as their impact on various aspects of the world, including agriculture, industry, and global trade. By studying the role of trade winds in history and the modern world, you can better understand the forces that shape our world and be well-prepared for questions about trade winds on the UPSC exam.

Dandelions in Wind 

What are winds: 

Wind is moving air and is caused by differences in air pressure within our atmosphere. Air under high pressure moves toward areas of low pressure. The greater the difference in pressure, the faster the air flows.

Trade Winds

Now we know that difference in air pressure creates wind. See at the equator the sun warms the Water and Land more than any place of our planet. So this intense heat makes the air to rise up and they travel towards the poles. This is actually called low pressure system. Likewise air from Poles which are cold and high pressure travel towards the equator.

Also let's know about prevailing winds. These are winds that flow over a single direction. Generally these prevailing winds blow from east to west because of Coriolis effect (A force caused by rotation of earth).


Trade winds

Trade winds are prevailing winds which are predictable by nature and thus these were used by ships in the ocean to sail across continents. These winds blow from East but due to the influence of Coriolis force they flow from the direction of North east in the Northern Hemisphere and from South East in the Southern Hemisphere.