a. Globally, how many high pressure belts and low pressure belts are there?

Question

Answer the questions based on the figure.

a. Globally, how many high pressure belts and low pressure belts are there? 

b. What is the latitudinal extent of each pressure belt? 

c. Equatorial regions experience low pressure throughout the year. Why?

Answer 1

a. There are four high pressure belts and three low pressure belts globally. 

b.

• Equatorial low pressure belt – between 5°N and 5°S on either sides of the equator. 
• Subtropical high pressure belt – extends over 30° N (Northern hemisphere) 
• Subpolar low pressure belt – extends over 60°N (Northern hemisphere) 
• Polar high pressure belt – in the north pole (Northern hemisphere) 
• Subtropical high pressure belt – over 30° S (Southern hemisphere) ‘
•  Subpolar low pressure belt – over 60° S (Southern hemisphere) 
• Polar high pressure belt – in the south pole

c. Equatorial regions experience high temperature throughout the year. Due to this, the air expands and rises vertically, resulting in low pressure.