Persistent easterly winds that blow from the subtropical high-pressure belts toward the equatorial low-pressure belt, from the northeast in the Northern Hemisphere and the southeast in the Southern Hemisphere. Trade winds were historically vital for sailing vessel commerce and navigation across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Category: Weather & Sea Conditions
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Spring TideThe tide with the greatest range between high and low water, occurring approximately every two weeks when the sun, moon, and earth are aligned during new and full moon phases.Storm SurgeAn abnormal rise in sea level generated by a storm's winds and low atmospheric pressure, over and above the predicted astronomical tide.SwellLong-period ocean waves generated by distant weather systems that travel far from their origin, distinct from wind waves generated by local conditions.Tidal RangeThe vertical difference between the highest high tide and the lowest low tide at a particular location.TsunamiA series of ocean waves with extremely long wavelengths caused by large-scale disturbances of the ocean floor, typically from undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or submarine landslides.TyphoonA mature tropical cyclone that develops in the western North Pacific Ocean, characterised by sustained wind speeds of 64 knots (119 km/h) or greater.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026