Multiple Choice
Biodiversity in an ecosystem refers to:
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48. Ecology
Introduction to Ecology
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Why are many of the world's deserts located at latitudes between 30°N and 30°S?
A
Earth is tilted on its axis.
B
The greatest amount of solar energy per unit area is absorbed by Earth between 30°N latitude and 30°S latitude.
C
Warm air rises between 30°N latitude and 30°S latitude and spreads toward the poles and the equator.
D
Earth is a rotating sphere.
E
Dry air, originating at the equator, descends toward Earth's surface between 30°N latitude and 30°S latitude.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the global atmospheric circulation pattern known as the Hadley Cell, which plays a crucial role in the distribution of deserts around the world.
Recognize that at the equator, the intense solar energy heats the air, causing it to rise. This rising air creates a low-pressure zone and leads to the formation of clouds and precipitation.
As the warm, moist air rises, it cools and loses moisture in the form of rain. This process occurs near the equator, resulting in tropical rainforests.
The now dry air moves away from the equator towards higher latitudes, around 30°N and 30°S. As it moves, it cools and descends, creating high-pressure zones.
The descending dry air at these latitudes leads to arid conditions, as it warms and absorbs moisture from the surface, contributing to the formation of deserts in these regions.
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