Question

Answer the following questions in about 30 words.
(ii) While the pressure gradient force is from north to south, i.e. from the
subtropical high pressure to the equator in the northern hemisphere,
why are the winds north easterlies in the tropics.

Answer 1

While the pressure gradient force is from north to south, i.e. from the subtropical high pressure to the equator in the northern hemisphere, the winds are north easterlies in the tropics because of the rotation of the earth.

• The direction of the wind is affected by the rotation of the earth.

• Due to the Coriolis force, winds deflect to their right in the northern hemisphere and to their left in the southern hemisphere.

• Due to this movement of wind from high pressure to low pressure, this pressure gradient force is from north to south. Hence, the winds are north easterlies in the tropics.