Question

Planetary winds are of three types including _______.
a.Trade winds
b.Westerlies
c.Polar winds
d.All of the above

Answer 1

Hint : The winds which blow throughout the year are known as planetary winds and they are unaffected by the local conditions.

Complete step by step solution : Now, let us examine all the given options to find out the correct answer:
a.Trade winds: The trade winds are the winds that blow from east to west, both in the northern and the southern hemispheres. These winds have been highly beneficial for the traders in the medieval times. These winds are highly prominent between the 5° and 25° latitudes on the both sides of the equator. Since these winds blow throughout the planet, these are known as planetary winds. So, it could be a right option.

b.Westerlies: The westerlies are the strong winds that blow from west to east in both the hemispheres. These winds are prominent in the latitudes beyond that of the trade winds. In the Southern Hemisphere, these winds are named Roaring Forties, howling Fifties and Screeching Sixties for their immense strength in the oceans. Since these winds also blow throughout the year, this could be a right option.

c.Polar winds: the Polar winds blow from North to south in the Arctic and the Antarctic circles of the Earth. These are perennial winds which are highly cold and dominate the tropics. So, this could be a right option.

d.All of the above: Since all the winds discussed above are independent of their existence, they all are planetary winds. So, it is the correct option.

So, the correct answer is option d.

Note : Trade winds are also known as tropical easterlies, and they blow steadily in the same direction. They are noted for consistency in both force and direction and are governed by Ferrel’s Laws.