Question

The bold black arrow along the ocean surface in the convective loop represents the trade winds and points in the direction toward which the prevailing winds are blowing in the equatorial region. As indicated by the arrows, winds during neutral (long-term average) conditions blow toward the ________ along the equator.

a) East
b) West
c) North
d) South

Answer 1

Option B: The prevailing winds blow toward the west along the equator during neutral conditions due to the Coriolis force affecting wind patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bold black arrow along the ocean surface in the convective loop represents the trade winds. The direction in which the prevailing winds blow in the equatorial region, as indicated by the arrows during neutral (long-term average) conditions, is toward the west. This wind pattern is the result of the Earth's rotation, which leads to the Coriolis force affecting the movement of air masses and resulting in the deflection of wind patterns across the globe.

The trade winds blow from east to west along the equator in the neutral (long-term average) conditions. In the Northern Hemisphere, winds are deflected to the right due to the Coriolis force, causing a counterclockwise circulation. However, in the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite occurs, and winds are deflected to the left, resulting in a clockwise circulation. Therefore, in the equatorial region, the prevailing winds blow towards the West.