What are the most persistent surface winds?

The most persistent surface winds on Earth are the trade winds. The trade winds are found in the tropics, between approximately 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south of the equator. They blow consistently from the subtropical high-pressure areas towards the equatorial low-pressure zone. In the Northern Hemisphere, the trade winds blow from the northeast towards the southwest, and they are known as the Northeast Trade Winds. Similarly, in the Southern Hemisphere, they blow from the southeast towards the northwest and are called the Southeast Trade Winds.

These winds are persistent and reliable due to the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect), the distribution of land and sea, and the differential heating of Earth's surface, which creates cells of air circulation known as the Hadley Cells. The trade winds are very important historically because they were vital for sailing ships on trade routes, allowing for expeditions and commerce between continents.