Eduqo
Indian Geography›Ch 1: Earth & Universe›Winds and Cyclones
Master planetary winds, local winds, Coriolis force, and pressure systems for competitive exams.
Air always moves horizontally from high pressure to low pressure, while the Coriolis effect deflects wind to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Smart Memory Hooks
| Wind Name | Nature | Region / Country |
|---|---|---|
| Chinook | Hot & Dry | Rockies (USA/Canada) |
| Foehn | Warm & Dry | Alps (Europe) |
| Sirocco | Hot & Dusty | Sahara to Mediterranean |
| Mistral | Cold & Fast | Rhone Valley (France) |
Coriolis
(Apparent deflecting force)
Apparent deflecting force
Caused by Earth's rotation, zero at equator.
Trade Winds
(Steady planetary winds)
Steady planetary winds
Blow from subtropical high to equatorial low.
Cyclone
(Low pressure center)
Low pressure center
Inward spiraling winds, counter-clockwise in North.
Anticyclone
(High pressure center)
High pressure center
Clear skies, outward spiraling winds.
Coriolis force affects wind speedCoriolis force affects only wind direction
Coriolis force alters direction, not velocity. Pressure gradient force determines speed.
Cyclones have high pressure at centerCyclones have low pressure at center
Always remember: Cyclone = Low Pressure center. Anticyclone = High Pressure center.
Loo is a cold mountain windLoo is a hot and dry plain wind
Loo blows during summer afternoons in North-West India and is extremely hot and dry.
Q1.Which of the following local winds is known as 'Snow Eater'?
Q2.The Coriolis effect is zero at which of the following regions?