Final answer:
The major wind patterns on Earth are the trade winds, the prevailing westerlies, and the polar easterlies. These wind patterns are influenced by factors such as the rotation of the Earth and the unequal heating of the Earth's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major wind patterns on Earth are caused by the movement of air as the atmosphere tries to equalize global temperatures. These wind patterns are influenced by factors such as the rotation of the Earth, the unequal heating of the Earth's surface, and the presence of large land masses and bodies of water.
There are three major wind patterns on Earth: the trade winds, the prevailing westerlies, and the polar easterlies.
The trade winds are located near the equator and blow from east to west. They are caused by air rising at the equator and flowing towards the poles.
The prevailing westerlies are located between 30 and 60 degrees latitude in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. They blow from west to east and are influenced by the rotation of the Earth.
The polar easterlies are located near the poles and blow from east to west. They are cold and dry winds that are formed by the sinking of cold air at the poles.