In the polar regions, cold, dense air sinks and moves away from the poles. Earth's rotation deflects this wind from east to west.

Near 30° north and south latitude, Earth's rotation deflects air from west to east as air moves toward the polar regions.

Air warmed near the equator travels toward the poles but gradually cools and sinks. As the air flows back toward the low pressure of the doldrums, the Coriolis effect deflects the surface wind to the west.

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Air movement

Term	Definition
Polar Esterlies	In the polar regions, cold, dense air sinks and moves away from the poles. Earth's rotation deflects this wind from east to west.
Westerlies	Near 30° north and south latitude, Earth's rotation deflects air from west to east as air moves toward the polar regions.
Trade Winds	Air warmed near the equator travels toward the poles but gradually cools and sinks. As the air flows back toward the low pressure of the doldrums, the Coriolis effect deflects the surface wind to the west.