Consider the following statements :1. Either of the two belts over the oceans at about 30° to 35° N and S Latitudes is known as Horse latitude.2. Horse latitudes are low pressure belts.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
✓ Correct answer: a) 1 only
ExplanationStatement 1 is correct : The Horse Latitudes are sub- tropical regions located at approximately 30° to 35° North and South latitudes.These are high-pressure zones characterized by calm winds and minimal precipitation.The name “Horse Lati- tudes” is believed to have originated from the historical practice of sailors throwing horses overboard to conserve water when ships were stranded in these calm regions.Statement 2 is incorrect : The Horse Latitudes are high-pres- sure belts, not low-pressure belts.These regions are associat- ed with the subtropical high-pressure zones, where air from the equator descends, creating stable and dry conditions.The high-pressure conditions result from the descending air of the Hadley cells, which suppresses cloud formation and leads to arid climates.Many of the world’s major deserts, such as the Sahara and the Australian Outback, are situated under the Horse lati- tudes.Low-pressure belts, on the other hand, are found near the equator (Intertropical Convergence Zone) and at higher latitudes (subpolar lows).86
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