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Difficulty: EasyPhysical Geography of the World

With reference to the global atmospheric circulation and pressure belts, consider the following statements:

1. The Equatorial Low Pressure Belt (Doldrums) is characterized by warm air rising, intense convection, and light, variable winds.
2. Trade winds blow from the Subtropical High Pressure Belts towards the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A
    1 only
  2. B
    2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2Answer
  4. D
    Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Both 1 and 2 are correct.
Both statements are factually accurate. The Equatorial Low Pressure Belt experiences strong solar heating, leading to upward air convection and gentle surface winds (Doldrums). Air descending at Subtropical Highs flows along the surface toward this equatorial low-pressure zone, forming the Trade Winds.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze statement 1 regarding the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt.
Near the equator, intense solar heating causes intense convection and rising warm air masses, creating low pressure at the surface with calm, weak winds (Doldrums). Statement 1 is correct.
Equatorial air heating creates strong updrafts and minimal horizontal wind gradient at the surface.
2
Analyze statement 2 regarding the directional flow of Trade Winds.
Air sinks around 30° North and South latitude creating Subtropical High Pressure Belts, from which surface winds flow down the pressure gradient toward the Equatorial Low Pressure Belt. Statement 2 is correct.
Wind consistently blows from regions of higher atmospheric pressure to regions of lower atmospheric pressure.

Key Concept

Planetary Pressure Belts and Surface Wind Circulation
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Topics

Physical Geography of the World

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