The Coriolis effect and other factors combine to produce a pattern of calm areas and wide belts around earth.
The calm areas include the doldrums and the horse latitudes.
The major global wind belts are the trade winds, the prevailing westerlies, and the polar easterlies.
Doldrums
The three major wind belts are the Polar Easterlies, the Prevailing Westerlies, and the Trade Winds. The two calm areas are the Doldrums near the equator and the Horse Latitudes around 30 degrees latitude.
An area of ocean with little to no wind or currents is called a doldrum. Doldrums are regions near the equator characterized by calm, light wind conditions. Sailors often experience challenges when crossing these areas due to the lack of wind for their sails.
Radiation fog usually forms on calm clear nights when the earth's surface cools rapidly, causing the air above it to cool and reach saturation. This type of fog typically develops in low-lying areas and valleys.
A hurricane or typhoon has a central calm area called the eye, with winds spiraling inwardly.
Doldrums
Doldrums
Calm areas of the Earth where there is little wind are often referred to as "doldrums." This term specifically describes regions near the equator, characterized by low atmospheric pressure and minimal wind activity. The doldrums are known for their unpredictable weather patterns, which can lead to extended periods of calmness, making sailing difficult.
Calm areas of the Earth with little wind are often referred to as "doldrums," particularly in the equatorial region where trade winds from both hemispheres converge. These regions are characterized by low atmospheric pressure and can lead to stagnant weather conditions, resulting in minimal wind and increased humidity. Another example is the "horse latitudes," located around 30 degrees north and south, where descending air creates calm conditions.
The Intertropical Coverance Zone. Or to abbreviate, ITCZ.
The Coriolis effect is calmer at the equator and poles because it is weakest there due to the slower rotation speed of the Earth. This results in less deflection of air and ocean currents at these latitudes.
Doldrums
The relatively calm low-pressure core at the center of a hurricane is called the "eye." It is characterized by clear skies, light winds, and typically lower pressure compared to the surrounding areas.
In the wind belts of the Earth's circulation cells, the calm regions are primarily located at the equator and around 30 degrees latitude in both hemispheres. At the equator, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) experiences low winds due to the convergence of trade winds. Around 30 degrees latitude, the subtropical high-pressure areas create another calm region known as the horse latitudes, where sinking air leads to light winds. These areas are characterized by weak or variable winds, often leading to clear skies and dry conditions.
The Horse Latitudes are the calm areas on Earth's surface where warm air rises at the equator. The warm air also divides and flows both north and south.
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The three major wind belts are the Polar Easterlies, the Prevailing Westerlies, and the Trade Winds. The two calm areas are the Doldrums near the equator and the Horse Latitudes around 30 degrees latitude.