Alísios

Alísios refers to the trade winds, persistent winds that blow from the subtropical high-pressure zones towards the equatorial low-pressure zone. These winds are a fundamental component of global atmospheric circulation. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are known as the northeast trade winds, originating from the horse latitudes and blowing towards the tropics. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, they are the southeast trade winds, blowing from the southern horse latitudes to the equator.

The trade winds are named for their historical importance in facilitating sailing trade routes. Their consistent direction and relative strength made them predictable for mariners navigating across oceans. This reliability allowed for efficient transportation of goods for centuries. The Coriolis effect, a result of the Earth's rotation, deflects these winds, causing them to blow from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere.

These winds play a crucial role in moderating tropical climates, influencing rainfall patterns and ocean currents. They are a key factor in the weather systems of tropical regions and contribute to the formation of clouds and precipitation along the equator. The zone where the trade winds from both hemispheres converge is known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).