Question

Discuss Equatorial low pressure and subtropical high-pressure belts.

Answer 1

Instructions:

• Explain equatorial low-pressure belt (2 marks)
• Explain subtropical high-pressure belt (2 marks)
• Mention trade winds (1 mark)

Solution:

• Equatorial low-pressure belt:

1. It is formed near the equator between 5 degrees north and 5 degree south latitudes.
2. The reason behind the formation of this pressure belt is that in the equatorial region, there is direct insolation of the sun creating high temperatures in this region.
3. So when the temperature is high, it will lead to the formation of a low-pressure zone as the warm air will rise upwards.

• Subtropical high-pressure belts:

1. It is formed near the 30-degree latitude in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
2. This pressure belt is formed because the warm air rising from the equator moves towards the tropics in both hemispheres.
3. Then this warm air gradually cools down and at about 30-degree latitudes in both hemispheres, they descend down, creating a high-pressure region.

• Due to this pressure difference, winds are created in both the hemispheres known as trade winds.