 |
Encyclopediadoldrumsdoldrums (dol'drumz) [key]or equatorial belt of calms,area around the earth centered slightly north of the equator between the two belts of trade winds. The large amount of solar radiation that arrives at the earth in this area causes intense heating of the land and ocean. This heating results in the rising of warm, moist air; low air pressure; cloudiness; high humidity; light, variable winds; and various forms of severe weather, such as thunderstorms and squalls. Hurricanes originate in this region. The doldrums are also noted for calms, periods when the winds disappear, trapping sailing vessels for days or weeks. The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved. More on doldrums from Infoplease:
- Doldrums - Doldrums (The). The name given to that region of the ocean near the equator noted for calms, ...
- equatorial belt of calms - equatorial belt of calms: equatorial belt of calms: see doldrums.
- trade winds - trade winds trade winds, movement of air toward the equator, from the NE in the Northern Hemisphere ...
- Weather - Infoplease is the world's largest free reference site. Facts on weather, space, astronomy, explorations, inventions, aviation, computers, science, and the Internet.
- climate: Primary Influence on Climate - Primary Influence on Climate The major influence governing the climate of a region is its latitude. ...
|
|
