.

Then, what do the trade winds do?

The trade winds or easterlies are the permanent east-to-west prevailing winds that flow in the Earth's equatorial region (between 30°N and 30°S latitudes). Trade winds also transport African dust westward across the Atlantic Ocean into the Caribbean Sea, as well as portions of southeastern North America.

Similarly, where are trade winds? In the northern hemisphere the Trade Winds generally blow from the north east while in the southern hemisphere they blow from the south east. The direction of the winds is influenced by land masses so the Trade Winds tend to be more uniform over the oceans.

Thereof, why are they called trade winds?

The remaining air (air that does not descend at 30 degrees North or South latitude) continues toward the poles and is known as the westerly winds, or westerlies. The trade winds are so named because ships have historically taken advantage of them to aid their journies between Europe and the Americas (Bowditch, 1995).

How many trade winds are there?

The Earth contains five major wind zones: polar easterlies, westerlies, horse latitudes, trade winds, and the doldrums. Polar easterlies are dry, cold prevailing winds that blow from the east.