The Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt, often called the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), generally extends from the equator to about 10° North and 10° South latitude. Within this zone, intense heat causes air to expand and rise vertically, creating a consistent belt of low pressure characterized by heavy rainfall and lush tropical vegetation. (Equatorial low-pressure belt is a broad zone extending up to about 10° on both sides of the Equator; 5° represents only its central core.) ANSWER: (D) 10°
To what latitude does the equatorial low-pressure belt extend on both sides of the equator? (A) 15° (B) 5° (C) 20° (D) 10°
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While the core of the equatorial low is at 0° latitude, the belt of rising air and low pressure typically spans a 20-degree wide band (10° on either side). This area receives the most direct solar radiation throughout the year. As the sun heats the surface, the air becomes buoyant and rises, creating a vacuum that pulls in the Trade Winds. Because the air is moving upward rather than sideways, surface winds are weak. This 10° N to 10° S zone is the most thermally active region on the planet, driving the global Hadley Cell circulation.
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