Question

Understand why the equator is where we find tropic climates with consistently heavy rainfall and why desert climates tend to be found at 20-30° N or S latitudes

A) Equatorial regions receive more direct sunlight, while the 20-30° latitudes receive less direct sunlight due to the Earth's tilt
B) Equatorial regions have less atmospheric pressure, while the 20-30° latitudes have higher pressure systems
C) Equatorial regions experience more cloud cover, while the 20-30° latitudes have clearer skies
D) Equatorial regions have stronger wind patterns, while the 20-30° latitudes experience calmer conditions

Answer 1

The equator sees consistently heavy rainfall due to warm air rising and cooling, while desert climates at 20-30° N or S latitudes occur due to descending, warming air that holds more moisture, creating arid conditions alongside high-pressure systems and rain shadows from mountain ranges.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why the equator is associated with consistently heavy rainfall, and why desert climates tend to be found at 20-30° N or S latitudes is primarily due to global atmospheric circulation patterns. Near the equator, intense sunlight heats the air, causing it to rise and cool, leading to frequent rainstorms. Conversely, at 20-30° latitudes, descending air warms up, increasing its capacity to hold water vapor, which results in arid conditions.

The subtropical deserts form in these latitudes due to the air's dryness coupled with the presence of high-pressure systems. Additionally, many deserts are situated on the leeward side of mountain ranges, accentuating the arid conditions by creating a rain shadow where descending air dries out even more. These factors contribute to the stark contrast in climate between the equatorial and subtropical regions.