The Caribbean's windiness is primarily a result of its geographical location within the belt of the Easterly Trade Winds, also known as the "Alize" winds. These winds are created by the rotation of the Earth and the movement of warm air from the equator toward the poles (the Coriolis Effect). Because the Caribbean Sea is a vast, open body of water between 10°N and 20°N of the equator, there is very little landmass to break the steady flow of air coming across the Atlantic. These trade winds are strongest during the "dry season" (December to May), often referred to as the "Christmas Winds," which provide a refreshing breeze that keeps the tropical heat manageable. Furthermore, the region is a high-pressure zone adjacent to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which creates a constant "pressure gradient" that pulls air toward the islands. While these winds are a boon for sailors and windsurfers, they also fuel the development of tropical waves and hurricanes during the wet season. Each island's topography also plays a role; mountainous islands like Dominica can experience "venturi effects" where wind is funneled through valleys, increasing its speed significantly compared to flatter islands like Anguilla.