Hurricanes rarely form or move within 5 degrees of the equator, because
[amp_mcq option1=”Coriolis effect is weakest here” option2=”Coriolis effect is strongest here” option3=”it has low pressure” option4=”it has high temperature” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2012
Hurricanes (tropical cyclones) require the Coriolis effect to initiate and maintain their rotation. The Coriolis effect is an apparent force caused by the Earth’s rotation, which deflects moving objects (like air and water) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This effect is zero at the equator and increases with latitude. For a tropical cyclone to form and rotate, the Coriolis effect must be strong enough to start the cyclonic circulation. Within 5 degrees of the equator, the Coriolis effect is too weak, preventing the necessary sustained rotation from developing, even if other conditions (warm water, unstable atmosphere, moisture) are present.
Tropical cyclones (hurricanes) require the Coriolis effect for rotation, and this effect is weakest near the equator (within approximately 5 degrees latitude).