Trade winds are steady, strong winds that blow from east to west in the tropics. They are caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun. As warm air rises near the equator, cooler air moves in to replace it, creating these consistent wind patterns. These winds play a crucial role in global weather and ocean currents. They help sailors navigate the ocean and have historically been important for trade routes. The trade winds also influence the climate of tropical regions, contributing to the formation of storms and affecting rainfall patterns.