What is the low-pressure belt near the equator commonly known as?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is: (c) Doldrums
Explanation:
· The Doldrums is the popular name for the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt.
· It is located approximately between 5° North and 5° South of the equator.
· In this region, the intense heating of the earth by the sun causes the air to warm up and rise (convection), creating a zone of very low pressure.
· Because the air is rising vertically rather than blowing horizontally, the surface winds are very light or non-existent, creating a period of calm.
Information Booster:
· Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): Geographically, this belt is where the Northeast Trade Winds and Southeast Trade Winds converge.
· Sailor's Nightmare: The term "Doldrums" originated from sailors who often found their sailing ships stranded in this region for weeks due to the lack of wind to propel them.
· Weather: It is characterized by high humidity, heavy cloud cover, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Additional Knowledge (Incorrect Options):
Polar Front (Option a)
· This is the boundary zone at approximately 60° latitude (sub-polar low) where warm air from the subtropics meets cold air from the poles, often causing storms and cyclones.
Horse Latitudes (Option b)
· These are the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts located around 30°–35° North and South.
· Unlike the low-pressure Doldrums, these are regions of sinking air (high pressure), resulting in clear skies and dry conditions (most hot deserts are found here).
Trade Wind Belt (Option d)
· This refers to the steady prevailing winds (Easterlies) that blow from the Horse Latitudes towards the Doldrums, not the low-pressure belt itself.