prevailing wind
Typical wind direction
Prevailing wind is the wind direction most frequently observed in a particular region over time.
Meteorologists and sailors track prevailing winds to predict weather patterns and plan routes: The prevailing winds here blow from the west.
The term distinguishes typical conditions from momentary gusts or seasonal shifts.
Winds from the sunset
- easterliesWinds from the east
- monsoonSeasonal tropical wind pattern
- jet streamHigh-altitude wind current
- doldrumsState of inactivity
horse latitudes · Coriolis effect · pressure system · isobar · cyclone · anticyclone · El Niño · La Niña
Path for commerce
- tackSharp-headed fastener
- reachExtend to touch
- beatingRepeated striking or pulsing
- runningSwift foot travel
dead reckoning · clipper · square-rigger · circumnavigation · transatlantic · transpacific · nautical chart · sea lane
Continuing despite difficulty
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- dominantHaving superior influence
- consistentNot varying or contradicting
- reliableConsistently performing as expected
predictable · seasonal · established · typical · characteristic · habitual · regular · dependable
From or toward top
- southerlyFrom the south
- easterlyFrom the orient
- westerlyFrom the sunset direction
- onshoreToward or on land
offshore · crosswind · headwind · tailwind · windward · leeward · bearing · compass rose
Gradual wearing away
- dune formationWind-built sand accumulation
- windbreakBarrier against gusts
- shelterbeltPlanted tree line protection
- pollinationFlower reproductive transfer
seed dispersal · desertification · loess · sand drift · ventilation
westerlies
Winds from the sunset
- easterliesWinds from the east
- monsoonSeasonal tropical wind pattern
- jet streamHigh-altitude wind current
doldrums · horse latitudes · Coriolis effect · pressure system · isobar · cyclone · anticyclone · El Niño · La Niña · weather map
trade route
Path for commerce
running · dead reckoning · clipper · square-rigger · circumnavigation · transatlantic · transpacific · nautical chart · sea lane
persistent
Continuing despite difficulty
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- dominantHaving superior influence
- consistentNot varying or contradicting
reliable · predictable · seasonal · established · typical · characteristic · habitual · regular · dependable · expected
northerly
From or toward top
onshore · offshore · crosswind · headwind · tailwind · windward · leeward · bearing · compass rose · airflow
erosion
Gradual wearing away
- dune formationWind-built sand accumulation
- windbreakBarrier against gusts
- shelterbeltPlanted tree line protection
pollination · seed dispersal · desertification · loess · sand drift · ventilation