Determine what pressure - high or low - exists at sea level at these latitudes:
90 N, 60 N, 30 N, 0 , 30 S, 60 S, and 90 S.
Describe where the horse latitudes are, what the pressure and wind conditions are there, and why they have this strange name
To determine the pressure at various latitudes, we can refer to the global atmospheric circulation patterns. These patterns are governed by the Earth's rotation and the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, resulting in the formation of distinct pressure zones.
At the sea level, the latitudes given can be categorized as follows:
1. 90° N (North Pole): At the North Pole, the pressure is generally low due to the convergence of air from the surrounding latitudes. This low pressure creates a polar low.
2. 60° N: At this latitude, there is a combination of high and low-pressure systems. The presence of low pressure is due to the meeting of colder air from the poles with warmer air from the equatorial regions. Additionally, the jet stream and mid-latitude cyclones influence the pressure systems.
3. 30° N: This latitude is known as the subtropical high-pressure belt. Here, descending air from higher altitudes sinks and creates an area of high pressure. This region is associated with dry and clear weather.
4. 0° (Equator): The equator experiences a low-pressure system due to the heating of the Earth's surface. Warm air rises, creating a zone of low pressure known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This region is characterized by abundant rainfall and thunderstorms.
5. 30° S: Similar to 30° N, this latitude also falls within the subtropical high-pressure belt, resulting in high atmospheric pressure. This zone, like its northern counterpart, is associated with clear and dry conditions.
6. 60° S: At this latitude, the pressure varies due to the influence of polar low-pressure systems and mid-latitude cyclones.
7. 90° S (South Pole): Similar to the North Pole, the South Pole experiences generally low pressure.
Moving on to the "horse latitudes," they are subtropical regions found at approximately 30° north and south of the equator. These regions are associated with calm, light winds, and high atmospheric pressure. Sailors historically found these areas challenging to navigate because of the lack of reliable winds for propulsion. This resulted in ships being stranded for extended periods, leading to water and food shortages. As a result, sailors often had to throw horses overboard to conserve resources, giving rise to the name "horse latitudes."
In summary, the pressure at sea level varies at different latitudes. High-pressure regions are found at 30°N and 30°S, while low-pressure regions are present at the poles (90°N and 90°S) and the equator (0°). The horse latitudes at approximately 30° north and south experience high pressure and light winds, resulting in challenging sailing conditions and the origin of their peculiar name.