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'''Trade winds''', also called "trades", refer to those constant and regular winds that blow in belts on either side of the [[Equator]] to about 30 degrees North and South over the three oceans that exist at those [[latitude]]s. They are caused by air moving in to replace the hot, rising air in the permanent low pressure band at the Equator – frequently called the doldrums. They move in south-easterly (Northern Hemisphere) and north-easterly (Southern Hemisphere) directions instead of due south or north because of earth’s rotation.

'''Trade winds''', also called ''trades'' are the constant and regular winds that blow in belts on either side of the [[equator]] to about 30 degrees north and south over the three oceans that exist at those [[latitude]]s. They are caused by air moving in to replace the hot, rising air in the permanent low pressure band at the equator—frequently called the doldrums. They move in south-easterly (northern hemisphere) and north-easterly (southern hemisphere) directions instead of due south or north because of the Earth’s rotation.

Above and below them are belts called the “Variables” before bands of prevailing westerlies (called the “Roaring Forties” in the Southern Hemisphere) occur between about 40 and 60 degrees.

Above and below them are belts called the “variables” before bands of prevailing westerlies (called the “Roaring Forties” in the southern hemisphere) occur between about 40 and 60 degrees.

Their existence of all these “belts” has had a profound effect on the history of trade, and European exploration through history:

Their existence of all these “belts” has had a profound effect on the history of trade, and European exploration through history:

* The [[Spanish]] and other [[Europeans]] used the Trades to reach the [[America]]s then returned with the help of the Variables and the North-west setting [[Gulf Stream]].

* The [[Spanish]] and other [[Europeans]] used the trades to reach the [[America]]s then returned with the help of the Variables and the north-west setting [[Gulf Stream]].

* The Portuguese, and later the [[Dutch]] and [[British]] used the Trades in the [[Indian Ocean]] in their return from [[India]] and the [[East Indies]] and much later with the tea clippers from [[China]].

* The Portuguese, and later the [[Dutch]] and [[British]] used the trades in the [[Indian Ocean]] in their return from [[India]] and the [[East Indies]] and much later with the tea clippers from [[China]].

*[[Pedro Cabral]] came across [[Brazil]] whilst reaching across the [[Atlantic]]SE Trades whilst on his way to India.

*[[Pedro Cabral]] came across [[Brazil]] whilst reaching across the [[Atlantic]] South-east trades whilst on his way to India.

* The [[Triangular Trade]] used the Trades for the “middle passage” then sailed north and out of them for the return to Europe.

* The [[Triangular trade]] used the trades for the “middle passage” then sailed north and out of them for the return to Europe.

* All seafaring nations used the Trades from the Americas west across the Pacific, then used the westerlies to return.

* All seafaring nations used the trades from the Americas west across the Pacific, then used the westerlies to return.

*The Dutch used the westerly “Roaring Forties” on their voyages from the [[Cape of Good Hope]] – their occasional miscalculation when to turning north for [[Batavia]] (modern [[Djakarta]] was instrumental in the discovery of[[Western Australia]], then [[New Holland]].

*The Dutch used the westerly “Roaring Forties” on their voyages from the [[Cape of Good Hope]].  Their occasional miscalculation when to turning north for [[Batavia]] (modern [[Djakarta]] was instrumental in the discovery of [[Western Australia]], then known as [[New Holland]].

* The British and [[French]] used the African route sailing to [[Australasia]], then returned via [[Cape Horn]], making use of the westerlies on both trips.

* The British and [[French]] used the African route sailing to [[Australasia]], then returned via [[Cape Horn]], making use of the westerlies on both trips.

There have been exceptions. Trade across the north Indian Ocean between India and north-east Africa” and the [[Red Sea]] made use of the African and Indian Monsoons which occurred at different times of the year. Also, currents have been used: as well as the Gulf Stream, the currents running up the west coasts of Africa and [[South America]] were a boon to mariners in the age of sail.   

There have been exceptions. Trade across the north Indian Ocean between India and north-east Africa” and the [[Red Sea]] made use of the African and Indian Monsoons which occurred at different times of the year. Also, currents have been used: as well as the Gulf Stream, the currents running up the west coasts of Africa and [[South America]] were a boon to mariners in the age of sail.   

The trade winds have always been a moderator of the tropical heat; a blessing to the islands and coasts in their path. [[John Masefield]]’s poem :Trade Winds”, later put to music by Frederick Keel, evokes this beautifully -

The trade winds have always been a moderator of the tropical heat; a blessing to the islands and coasts in their path. [[John Masefield]]’s poem "Trade Winds”, later put to music by Frederick Keel, evokes this beautifully:

"''In the harbour, in the island, in the Spanish seas,<br />

"''In the harbour, in the island, in the Spanish seas,<br />