Question

Which zones of latitudes are called 'Horse latitude' ?

• A. 0 - 10$^\circ$N and 0 - 10$^\circ$S
• B. 10 - 23.5$^\circ$N and 10 - 23.5$^\circ$S
• C. 40 - 45$^\circ$N and 40 - 45$^\circ$S
• D. 30 - 35$^\circ$N and 30 - 35$^\circ$S

Hint:

Key Pressure Belts:
- Equator (0--5$^\circ$): Doldrums (Low Pressure).
- Subtropics (30--35$^\circ$): Horse Latitudes (High Pressure).
- Subpolar (60--65$^\circ$): Subpolar Lows.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the latitudil belts in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres that are geographically desigted as the 'Horse Latitudes'.

Step 2: Key Concepts & Climatological Features:

• Horse Latitudes: These represent the subtropical high-pressure belts located approximately between 30$^\circ$ and 35$^\circ$ latitude in both Northern and Southern hemispheres.

• Atmospheric Dymics: Warm air rising at the equator flows poleward in the upper atmosphere and subsides at around 30$^\circ$--35$^\circ$ latitude, forming regions of high atmospheric pressure, calm surface winds, and extremely dry, clear skies.

• Etymology: Historically, sailing ships carrying horses to the Americas were often stalled in these calm, windless high-pressure zones for weeks. To conserve drinking water, sailors were forced to throw horses overboard, giving the region its me.

Step 3: Detailed Explation:

• 0--10$^\circ$N and S: Known as the Doldrums or Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), characterized by low pressure and weak surface winds.

• 10--23.5$^\circ$N and S: Tropical zones domited by trade winds.

• 30--35$^\circ$N and S: Subtropical High-Pressure belts (Horse Latitudes) where major hot deserts of the world (e.g., Sahara, Arabian, Atacama) are located due to descending dry air.

• 40--45$^\circ$N and S: Mid-latitude belts known for strong prevailing westerlies (e.g., "Roaring Forties").

Step 4: Fil Answer:
The latitudil belts between 30--35$^\circ$N and 30--35$^\circ$S are called Horse Latitudes. Therefore, option (D) is correct.