Lågtrycksbälte

Lågtrycksbälte, or low-pressure belt, refers to areas on Earth where atmospheric pressure is consistently lower than the surrounding regions. These belts are primarily associated with rising air, cloud formation, and precipitation. The most prominent low-pressure belts are found near the equator and at higher latitudes, roughly corresponding to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and the subpolar low-pressure belts.

The equatorial low-pressure belt, also known as the doldrums, is a result of intense solar heating at the equator. This causes air to warm, expand, and rise, leading to low pressure at the surface. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and frequent rainfall, which characterizes tropical rainforest climates. The ITCZ is a dynamic zone that shifts seasonally with the sun's direct rays.

At higher latitudes, typically between 50 and 70 degrees north and south, are the subpolar low-pressure belts. These are formed by the collision of cold polar air masses moving equatorward and warmer air masses moving poleward. The convergence of these air masses causes uplift, resulting in low pressure and stormy weather. These belts are associated with the polar front and are responsible for much of the weather experienced in mid-latitude regions, including frequent cyclonic storms. Understanding these low-pressure belts is crucial for comprehending global atmospheric circulation patterns and weather systems.