Question

Which of the following is the reason why the equatorial low pressure regions are called doldrums?

• A. It is easy for sailing ships to navigate through doldrums.
• B. The region is characterised by stormy weather.
• C. The region is characterised by windless waters.
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C The region is characterised by windless waters.

Doldrums is a popular nautical term that refers to regions that are roughly 5 degrees above and 5 degrees below the equator. Due to intense heating near the equator, the warm, moist air is forced up into the atmosphere. This air cools down and brings rains around the Earth’s midsection. As the air circulates in an upward direction, there is little surface wind in the region making it windless. Hence, this region is called doldrums which means 'a state of stagnation'. This can lead to sailing ships sometimes getting stuck in the region.