<P> Prevailing Westerlies: At about the latitude of Western Europe and Continental U.S. (30 - 60 degrees), the Westerlies blow from the west, tending somewhat toward the north . This causes most weather in the United States to move from west to east . </P> <P> Horse Latitudes: Where the Westerlies meet the trade winds at about 30 degrees (Jacksonville, Florida) is the Horse latitudes, also Variables of Cancer, Subtropical High, or Subtropical ridge . This is a region of high pressure, dry air, and variable winds, and is associated with deserts over land . </P> <P> Trade Winds: South of about 30 degrees the northern or northeast trade winds blow mostly from the northeast toward the equator . These were the sailor's favorite winds, since the weather was warm, and the winds usually blew steadily in an advantageous direction . Columbus used these to sail to the Caribbean . </P> <P> Doldrums: At about the equator is Intertropical Convergence Zone or doldrums, a region of light and irregular wind broken by occasional thunderstorms and squalls . The width and exact location of the doldrums were hard to predict . Sailing ships are sometimes becalmed here for many days waiting for a proper wind . </P>

What global prevailing winds move from the east to the west along the equator