Question

Differentiate between the following:

Role of trade winds and westerlies in the Mediterranean region.

Answer 1

Role of trade winds in the Mediterranean region :

1. Trade winds prevail during summer.
2. These blow up to about 45° latitude.
3. These blow from an easterly quarter and become dry by the time they reach the western margins of the continents, cause no rainfall.

Role of westerlies in the Mediterranean region :

1. Westerlies prevail during the winter season.
2. These blow between 30° N latitudes.
3. These reach the western coasts as onshore winds. Being moist they cause precipitation on the western margin of the continents.