Trade winds originate in the subtropical high-pressure belts, also known as the “horse latitudes” (around 30° N/S). Because air naturally flows from high to low pressure, these winds blow steadily toward the equatorial low-pressure zone. Due to the Coriolis effect, they are deflected to the west, becoming the Northeast and Southeast Trades. ANSWER: (A) From the horse latitudes towards the equator
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The trade winds are the surface component of the Hadley Cell. At the horse latitudes, dry air descends from the upper atmosphere, creating a zone of high pressure. This air then rushes toward the heat-induced low pressure at the equator. As it travels, the Earth’s rotation deflects the wind—to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This creates a remarkably consistent wind pattern that stays between 30° latitude and the equator. Historically, these winds were the “engine” for sailing ships, providing a reliable path for transatlantic commerce.
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