What direction do prevailing westerlies move toward?

Prevailing westerlies are a significant wind pattern found in the mid-latitudes of both hemispheres. These winds typically blow from the west towards the east, which is why the correct understanding of prevailing westerlies is that they travel from higher latitudes (closer to the poles) toward the equator and progress in an eastward direction.

The prevailing westerlies play a crucial role in weather patterns and climate, influencing both ocean currents and storm tracks. They are primarily found between 30 and 60 degrees latitude in both hemispheres, where they effectively transport warm air from the equator poleward. This eastward motion is a result of the Coriolis effect, which stems from the Earth’s rotation, influencing winds to bend to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.

In summary, the nature of prevailing westerlies as winds moving from the west to the east explains their essential impact on global weather systems and climate dynamics.