Question

The subtropical high pressure belt is often called _________.
A.Doldrums
B.ITCZ
C.Horse latitudes
D.None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The subtropical high pressure is located at 30 degrees and 35 degrees both north and south. The air in this region is comparatively dry and calm.

Complete Step by Step Answer: The subtropical high pressure, also known as the horse latitudes are located between 30 and 35 degrees both north and south. This region receives little precipitation and has variable winds because of high pressure, so the air is dry and calm. Due to this particular reason, most of the deserts are present along this belt in both the hemispheres such as the Sahara Desert in Africa, northern Mexico, and some parts of the Middle East in the northern hemisphere; and the Australian Desert, Atacama Desert, the Kalahari Desert in the southern hemisphere. It is also the region of descending air current and is further marked by some cyclonic activities.
The term Horse latitude came from the ships that used to carry horses to America as a part of their cargo. These ships often encountered areas of high pressure and calm winds, making it unable to sail and resupply for days or even weeks. The crews often ran out of drinking water. To conserve water for their own survival, the sailors would throw the horses into the sea, hence the name horse latitudes.
Thus, the option (C) is correct.

Note: The northern and southern latitudes are often referred to as the “calms of Capricorn” and “calms of Cancer”. These names are given after the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, although their usual position is latitudes 30 degrees North and South.