Question

Why are Trade winds so called?

Answer 1

Trade winds are so called because the name comes from the German word “trade,” meaning “track.” The phrase “to blow trade” means to blow steadily in the same direction and along a constant course. These winds are extremely steady and blow from the Sub-Tropical High Pressure areas (around 30° N and S latitudes) towards the Equatorial Low Pressure belt (0° latitude), typically between 5° and 30° North and South. The steadiness and regular direction of these winds made them important for sailing ships historically, hence the name “trade winds”.