Consider the following statements: It is the region of descending air ...
- The subtropical high pressure, also known as the horse latitudes are located between 30 and 35 degrees both north and south. It is the region of descending air currents or wind divergence .
- This region receives little precipitation and has variable winds because of high pressure, so the air is dry and calm.
- Due to this particular reason, most of the deserts are present along this belt in both the hemispheres such as the Sahara Desert in Africa, northern Mexico, and some parts of the Middle East in the northern hemisphere; and the Australian Desert, Atacama Desert, the Kalahari Desert in the southern hemisphere.
- It is also the region of descending air current and is further marked by anticyclones The term Horse latitude came from the ships that used to carry horses to America as a part of their cargo. These ships often encountered areas of high pressure and calm winds, making it unable to sail and resupply for days or even weeks.
- The crews often ran out of drinking water. To conserve water for their own survival, the sailors would throw the horses into the sea, hence the name horse latitudes.
- Hence option (a) is the correct answer.
Consider the following statements: It is the region of descending air ...
Sub-Tropical High Pressure Belt
- The given statements are describing the characteristics of the Sub-Tropical High Pressure Belt.
- This pressure belt is located between 30° and 35° latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
- It is characterized by descending air currents or wind divergence with anticyclonic activities.
- Anticyclonic activities refer to the clockwise rotation of air in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The descending air currents result in compression and warming of the air, leading to its capacity to hold more moisture, thereby making the air comparatively dry.
- The dry air in this region leads to the formation of deserts such as the Sahara Desert in Africa or the Sonoran Desert in North America.
- The calm and light winds in this region are due to the divergence of air, which creates a low-pressure zone near the surface, resulting in light and variable winds.
- The Sub-Tropical High Pressure Belt is frequently referred to as the Horse Latitudes. This term has its origins from the historical practice of sailors throwing horses overboard when becalmed in this region to conserve water and food supplies.
- These pressure belts have a significant influence on the global climate and weather patterns. They play a crucial role in the formation of trade winds, prevailing westerlies, and the development of cyclones and anticyclones.
- The Sub-Tropical High Pressure Belt is an important part of the global atmospheric circulation system and contributes to the overall climate and weather patterns on Earth.
- Understanding the characteristics and dynamics of these pressure belts is essential for meteorologists, climatologists, and other scientists studying the Earth's climate system.
In conclusion, the given statements describe the characteristics of the Sub-Tropical High Pressure Belt, which is characterized by descending air currents, dry air, and calm winds. It is an important pressure belt that influences global weather patterns and climate.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed UPSC study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in UPSC.