As mentioned in the statement above, Prevailing Winds are fast moving air or wind that blows horizontally through the upper layers of the troposphere, generally from west to east, although it may blow from East to West also depending on latitude. It develops where air masses of different temperatures meet. Thus, it plays an insignificant role in the Earth's heat redistribution by moving warmer air to higher altitudes and moving cooler air towards the equator.
Jet stream is fast moving air or wind that blows horizontally through the upper layers of the troposphere, generally from west to east. It develops where air masses of different temperatures meet. The greater the difference in temperature, the faster the wind speed.
Jet stream has the following characteristics;
- The winds blow from west to east
- The flow often shifts to the north and south.
- They follow the boundaries between hot and cold air.
