Question 1175Navigation General

The correct answer is B) prevailing westerlies. On the pole side of the high pressure belt in each hemisphere, the pressure diminishes. The winds along these pressure gradients are diverted by the Earth's rotation toward the east, and these winds are known as the prevailing westerlies. The prevailing westerlies are major wind systems that dominate the middle latitudes of both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The other options are incorrect because: A) doldrums refer to the area near the equator with low pressure and calm winds, C) horse latitudes refer to the high-pressure belts around 30 degrees north and south latitude, and D) geostrophic winds are winds that flow parallel to isobars due to the balance between the Coriolis force and pressure gradient force.