<P> Prevailing winds are winds that blow predominantly from a single general direction over a particular point on the Earth's surface . The dominant winds are the trends in direction of wind with the highest speed over a particular point on the Earth's surface . A region's prevailing and dominant winds are enacted by global patterns of movement in the Earth's atmosphere . In general, easterly flow occurs at low and medium latitudes globally . In the mid-latitudes, westerly winds are the rule and their strength is largely determined by the polar cyclone . In areas where winds tend to be light, the sea breeze / land breeze cycle is the most important to the prevailing wind; in areas which have variable terrain, mountain and valley breezes dominate the wind pattern . Highly elevated surfaces can induce a thermal low, which then augments the environmental wind flow . </P> <P> Wind roses are tools used to determine the direction of the prevailing wind . Knowledge of the prevailing wind allows the development of prevention strategies for wind erosion of agricultural land, such as across the Great Plains . Sand dunes can orient themselves perpendicular to the prevailing wind regime within coastal and desert locations . Insects drift along with the prevailing wind, while birds are able to fly more independently of it . Prevailing winds in mountain locations can lead to significant rainfall gradients within the topography, ranging from wet across windward - facing slopes to desert - like conditions along their lee slopes . Prevailing winds can have differences due to the uneven heating of the Earth . </P>

Explain the relationship between wind patterns in the southern pacific