Question

Mention the characteristics of Doldrums.

Answer 1

The characteristics of Doldrums (Equatorial Low Pressure Belt/ITCZ) are:

• It is a zone of low pressure and runs parallel to the Equator, where the Northeast and Southeast Trade Winds meet.
• The region experiences very little surface wind and is mostly calm, which is why it is called “Doldrums,” meaning dull.
• The area is characterized mainly by vertical movement of air as the hot, moist, expanding air rises upwards.
• It experiences convectional rainfall frequently due to rising and cooling air.
• Despite apparent calm and light surface winds, the Doldrums have turbulent and stormy weather with heavy rains, thunderstorms, and squalls almost every day.
• The location of the Doldrums keeps shifting slightly north and south following the overhead sun and the shifting of pressure belts.

These features make the Doldrums a unique and important pressure belt in global atmospheric circulation.