Question

Which region of the world is called ‘Horse latitudes’?

Options

• Equatorial low pressure belt

• Sub-tropical high pressure belt

• Sub-polar low pressure belt

• Polar-high pressure belt

Answer 1

Sub-tropical high pressure belt

Explanation:

The region of the world called ‘Horse latitudes’ corresponds to the Sub-tropical high pressure belt, located around 30° north and south of the Equator. It is characterized by calm winds and weak pressure gradients. Historically, sailing ships used to get stuck in these calm zones, and as a result, horses on board were sometimes thrown overboard to lighten the ship, hence the name “Horse latitudes”.