Question
Explain why low-pressure belt prevails over the equatorial region?
Answer
The equatorial region receives intense heat from the sun throughout the year. As a result, the air in this region is heated, expands, and rises up, creating a region of low pressure. This low-pressure region is known as the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
The ITCZ is formed by the convergence of the trade winds from the northern and southern hemispheres. As the warm, moist air rises and cools, it forms clouds and leads to heavy precipitation in the equatorial region. This results in a continuous cycle of warm air rising and cooler air descending, creating a region of low pressure.