Which of the following pressure belt is known as the horse latitude?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Sub - Tropical High Pressure.
The Horse Latitudes are regions located approximately between 30° and 35° latitude in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. These regions are known for their calm winds, clear skies, and high atmospheric pressure.
Why is it called the "Horse Latitude"?-
Historically, sailors named these regions "Horse Latitudes" because winds in this belt are very weak, causing sailing ships to become stranded for days or even weeks.
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During such long periods of calm, food and water shortages would occur on board. Some stories suggest that horses being transported by ship were thrown overboard to save drinking water — hence the name "Horse Latitude".
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It is a zone of descending air which leads to high pressure.
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It is generally located between 25° to 35° latitude on both sides of the equator.
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The descending air inhibits cloud formation and leads to dry and desert-like conditions (for example: Sahara Desert, Arabian Desert, etc.).
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This belt is also associated with anti-cyclonic conditions, meaning clear skies and stable weather.
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This belt influences global wind circulation, creating trade winds towards the equator and westerlies towards the poles.
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It plays a vital role in the distribution of deserts across the globe.