Polar easterlies are the dry, cold prevailing winds that blow around the high-pressure systems of the polar highs at the North Poles and the South Poles. When chilly air flows from the poles to the equator, a wind pattern like this emerges. This article will explain to you about the Polar Easterlies which will be helpful in preparing Geography for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Polar Easterlies

• High pressure zones arise as cold air sinks to the poles, resulting in an equatorward outflow of air that is then deflected westward by the Coriolis effect.
• Unlike westerlies in the middle latitudes and trade winds in the tropics, polar easterlies are typically mild and irregular.
• It's worth remembering that these winds are named after the place where they came from.

Polar Easterlies

Origin of Polar Easterlies

• Cold air settling near the pole causes an outflow of air southward (northward in the southern hemisphere) towards the equator, resulting in high pressure.
• This outflow is deflected westward by the Coriolis effect causing these polar easterlies to blow from east to west.

Direction of Polar Easterlies

• Winds near the surface of the Earth frequently circulate around cyclones and anticyclones, which are zones of low and high pressure, respectively.
• Around Northern Hemisphere lows, they revolve clockwise, and around Southern Hemisphere lows, they rotate counterclockwise.
• Polar Easterlies can be encountered at 60-90 degrees latitude in both the southern and northern hemispheres.
• Tropical Easterlies flow from east to west because of the Earth's rotation.
• Example: Fairbanks is far enough north that polar easterlies are the predominant winds.

• Antarctica receives the brunt of the southern polar easterlies. Such " polar easterlies " are a regular component of the high-latitude wind system.

Properties of Polar Easterlies

• The prevailing winds from the polar easterlies are one of the five principal wind zones that make up our atmosphere's circulatory system, known as wind belts.
• This particular wind belt starts at 60° north and south latitude and extends all the way to the poles.

60° N Wind Belt of Polar Easterlies

• In some of the world's coldest places, polar easterlies can be found.
• They emerge from the polar highs, which are atmospheric high-pressure zones.
• The arctic highlands are dry and cold, which helps to explain why the polar easterly winds are also dry and cold.
• The areas beneath the polar highs are referred to as "polar deserts" when they are exceedingly dry and freezing.
• The winds are dry and frigid in these locations because of the lack of precipitation.
• Near the North and South Poles, polar winds begin to blow.
• In the winter, cold air descends to the earth, generating a high pressure zone at the poles. Both hemispheres experience these winds.

Significance

• The polar easterlies are one of the five principal wind zones that make up our atmosphere's circulatory system, known as wind belts.
• In the summer, the polar easterlies give way to variable winds.

Types of Winds Types of Winds Winds are generally divided into four categories: Primary (Planetary) winds Secondary (Periodic) winds Tertiary (Local) winds Types of Winds Primary Winds The Primary winds are the winds that always blow in the same direction all through the year. They're also known as planetary winds or prevailing winds or persistent winds. These winds include Trade winds, Westerlies and Polar Easterlies.

Conclusion

Polar Easterlies is a significant wind not only as a separate entity, but also as a whole as it affects the climate, the movement of ships, etc,. The polar easterlies are one of the five principal wind zones that make up our atmosphere's circulatory system, known as wind belts. Polar easterlies, unlike westerlies in the middle latitudes, are frequently weak and erratic.

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of Polar Easterlies in the global atmospheric circulation.

Answer: Polar Easterlies play a critical role in maintaining Earth's atmospheric balance by interacting with westerlies and trade winds. These cold winds from the polar regions contribute to the pressure systems that drive the Earth's weather. Their influence extends to the regulation of polar climates and interacts with the subtropical jet stream, which helps in controlling seasonal weather patterns. The Polar Easterlies are integral to the three-cell circulation model (Hadley, Ferrel, and Polar cells), which distributes heat and moisture around the planet, ensuring a balanced climate.

Q2: How do Polar Easterlies differ from the westerlies, and what impact do they have on the polar regions?

Answer: Polar Easterlies blow from east to west, unlike the westerlies that flow from west to east. They are much colder due to their origin in the polar high-pressure regions. These winds contribute to the overall stability of the polar regions, maintaining cold, dry conditions. The impact of Polar Easterlies is seen in the cold temperatures of the polar vortex, which governs the temperature and weather patterns of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Unlike westerlies, which can influence broader weather systems, Polar Easterlies mainly affect local polar climates.

Q3: Analyze the effects of Polar Easterlies on global weather patterns.

Answer: Polar Easterlies are crucial in shaping global weather patterns by affecting the high-latitude climate and influencing the jet stream. They contribute to the stability of the polar high-pressure systems and interact with other wind systems like westerlies. By pushing cold, dry air towards the mid-latitudes, they help in the formation of polar vortexes and can influence the movement of other weather systems. Their role is especially evident in the cold seasons, where their interaction with westerlies can lead to severe winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere.

Previous Year Questions on Polar Easterlies

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2018

Question: Which of the following winds blow from east to west in the polar regions?

a) Westerlies

b) Trade Winds

c) Polar Easterlies

d) Jet Stream

Answer: c) Polar Easterlies

Explanation: Polar Easterlies are winds that blow from east to west and are found near the poles. They are a critical component of the polar atmospheric circulation.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2016

Question: Explain the significance of the Polar Easterlies in the global wind system.

Answer: Polar Easterlies are essential components of the Earth's atmospheric circulation. They blow from east to west in the polar regions, helping to create high-pressure zones at the poles. These winds play a pivotal role in maintaining the cold conditions in polar areas and contribute to the overall stability of the Earth's climate system. By interacting with westerlies and trade winds, they help distribute heat across the globe and maintain the pressure gradients that influence weather patterns. Their influence is particularly important in regulating the polar vortex, which can have far-reaching effects on global climate and weather systems.