What type of winds are the Trade Winds?

The Trade Winds are classified as global winds. These winds consistently blow from the subtropical high-pressure areas toward the equatorial low-pressure zone. They play a significant role in global weather patterns and are largely influenced by the Coriolis effect, which is caused by the Earth's rotation.

The consistency of the Trade Winds helps to facilitate ocean currents and climate in the regions where they blow, such as the tropical regions of the Earth. Their presence is vital in the context of maritime navigation, historically guiding explorers and traders across the oceans.

In contrast, local winds are typically influenced by geographical features such as mountains and valleys, whereas mountain winds specifically refer to valley breezes and the up-slope and down-slope winds in mountainous terrain. Coastal winds occur along shorelines and are driven primarily by the temperature differences between land and water. These distinctions clarify why the Trade Winds fall under the category of global winds rather than local, mountain, or coastal winds.