Doldrum are 1. equatorial calms 2. calm and light winds 3. roaring forties 4. variable both in position and in extent Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1, 2 and 4
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3
- D.2, 3 and 4
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is A, 1, 2 and 4. The doldrums are the equatorial belt of calm and light, variable winds, and the belt shifts with the seasons; they have nothing to do with the roaring forties.
Near the equator the sun heats the surface strongly all year, so air rises in convection currents and creates a belt of low pressure, the equatorial low or Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. Because the air here mostly moves upward, surface winds are very weak, and old sailing ships could stay stuck for days; hence the name "equatorial calms". The trade winds from both hemispheres meet here. The belt follows the overhead sun, moving north in July and south in January, and widens or narrows with the season, so it varies in both position and extent.
B is wrong because it leaves out statements 1 and 4 and includes 3. C and D are wrong because both include statement 3: the roaring forties are strong westerly winds blowing between about 40° and 50° south latitude, far from the equator.
Exam tip: Doldrums = equatorial calms (0° to 5°); horse latitudes = subtropical calms (30° to 35°).
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