Which winds are formed in the Hadley Cell?

Prepare for the ATSC Weather for Sailing, Flying and Snow Sports exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each detailed with hints and explanations. Set sail with confidence and knowledge!

The correct answer is the trade winds. The Hadley Cell is a major atmospheric circulation pattern that occurs in tropical regions, extending from the equator to about 30 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. Within this cell, warm air rises near the equator, creates a low-pressure area, and then moves poleward at higher altitudes. As this air cools, it sinks around the 30-degree latitude mark, leading to a high-pressure area.

The movement of air from high-pressure to low-pressure areas results in the formation of trade winds between the equator and the 30-degree latitudes. Specifically, in the Northern Hemisphere, these winds blow from the northeast, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they come from the southeast. This consistent directionality is critical for various weather patterns and influences sailing conditions as well.

Other wind types mentioned, such as Hadley winds, refer to the overall phenomenon and do not specifically describe the winds as trade winds do. Lee winds are localized winds that result from air descending down a mountain or a range of hills, and westerlies are prevailing winds found in mid-latitude regions that blow from the west. Therefore, the trade winds most accurately identify the winds associated with the Hadley Cell's circulation pattern

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy