tropical easterlies

tropical easterlies

[′träp·ə·kəl ′ēs·tər·lēz] (meteorology) The trade winds when shallow and exhibiting a strong vertical shear; at about 500 feet (152 meters) the easterlies give way to the upper westerlies, which are sufficiently strong and deep to govern the course of cloudiness and weather. Also known as subtropical easterlies.