Final answer:
Option B: The trade winds blow from east to the west because the surface air pressure falls moving from east to west. Winds move from high to low pressure areas, influenced by the Coriolis force due to Earth's rotation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trade winds blow from east to the west because from east to west the surface air pressure falls. Winds arise due to the movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure in an attempt to equalize pressure differences. This atmospheric motion is driven by changes in air pressure and temperature. Cold air tends to be more dense and therefore has higher pressure than warm air. When higher pressure air encounters lower pressure areas, it moves towards the low pressure. Once in motion, the wind is affected by the Coriolis force, which deflects the wind's path due to the rotation of the Earth.
Considering the options provided, the correct answer is (b) Falls, as air flows towards regions of lower pressure, generating the pattern of trade winds. This continuous flow of air is what contributes to the overall climate and weather patterns we experience.