The rotational motion of the Earth does indeed have an effect on wind patterns, but it does not directly result in extreme wind speeds at the equator. The main factors that influence the wind patterns near the equator are the Coriolis effect and the distribution of solar radiation.
The Coriolis effect is a result of the Earth's rotation and its influence on moving objects. As air moves from the high-pressure zones near the equator towards the lower-pressure zones near the poles, it is deflected due to the Coriolis effect. This deflection causes the formation of distinct wind patterns known as the Hadley cells, which play a significant role in shaping the global atmospheric circulation.
In the vicinity of the equator, the Coriolis effect is relatively weak due to the shorter distance traveled in a given time compared to higher latitudes. As a result, the air near the equator experiences less deflection and tends to move in a predominantly eastward direction. This movement gives rise to the trade winds, which blow from the east towards the west.
Additionally, the distribution of solar radiation plays a crucial role in the wind patterns near the equator. The Sun's energy is concentrated more around the equatorial regions, leading to intense heating of the air. As the air near the equator becomes warmer, it rises, creating a zone of low pressure. This low-pressure zone, called the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), is characterized by rising air and the convergence of trade winds from the northern and southern hemispheres.
The combination of the Coriolis effect and the distribution of solar radiation leads to a relatively calm region at the equator known as the doldrums. In the doldrums, the air is characterized by weak winds and often experiences a state of low wind speeds. This is due to the upward motion of warm air and the lack of strong Coriolis forces to generate significant wind speeds.
It's important to note that extreme wind speeds can occur in localized weather phenomena such as hurricanes or tropical cyclones, which are influenced by a combination of various factors, including temperature gradients, moisture content, and atmospheric instability. However, these phenomena are not directly caused by the Earth's rotational motion but rather by complex interactions between different atmospheric conditions.