poleward

Poleward is a directional term used to indicate movement or location toward the poles of the Earth. In geographic and cartographic contexts, it describes directions toward either the North Pole or the South Pole. The opposite term is equatorward, meaning toward the equator.

In atmospheric science, poleward transport refers to the movement of energy, moisture, or air masses from lower to higher latitudes. This includes poleward flow in the mid-latitude jet stream, polar fronts, and storm tracks, which play a key role in distributing heat and weather patterns. In oceanography, poleward currents move water toward high-latitude regions and influence heat budget, salinity, and nutrient transport.

Poleward shifts in ecosystems are observed under climate change, with many species expanding their ranges toward higher latitudes. This poleward migration can affect community composition and interactions, and is studied in biogeography and conservation biology.

It is measured using latitude coordinates, with "poleward" indicating increasing distance from the equator toward either pole. Etymology derives from pole and ward, conveying movement toward the poles.

See also equatorward, meridional, latitudinal.