Consider the following statements:
- Statement I: The Doldrums is a low pressure area around the Equator where the prevailing winds are calm
- Statement II: Low pressure is caused by the heat at the Equator which makes the air rise and travel both Northwards and Southwards
Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
Statement I is true but Statement II is false
Statement I is false but Statement II is true
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2014
Both Statement I and Statement II are individually true, and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I. The Doldrums is indeed a low-pressure belt located around the Equator, known for calm or light winds, variable winds, and frequent convectional rainfall. This low pressure is a direct result of intense solar heating at the Equator, which causes the air to warm, become less dense, and rise. As the air rises, it diverges towards the poles at higher altitudes, creating the low-pressure area at the surface and leading to relatively calm horizontal surface winds.
The Doldrums (Intertropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ) is an equatorial low-pressure zone characterized by calm winds. The intense heat at the equator causes air to rise (convection), creating this low pressure and leading to the characteristic weather conditions.