What is zonal wind?

Zonal wind is a term used in meteorology to describe the wind that blows in a generally east-west direction along a latitude circle. It is also known as the west-to-east wind, and it is an important component of the atmospheric circulation patterns that drive weather conditions in different regions of the globe. Zonal wind is driven by temperature differences between the equator and the poles, which create a pressure gradient that causes air to flow from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. In the tropics, zonal winds are weaker and more variable, while in the mid-latitudes and polar regions, they are stronger and more consistent, with significant seasonal and interannual variability. Zonal winds are crucial for determining the tracks of cyclones and other weather systems, as they can steer them on specific paths across oceans and continents. They are also used in climate models to predict long-term climate trends and variability.