At which latitudes are two regions of rising motion and surface low pressure typically found?

• A. 30 and 90
• B. 0 and 30
• C. 0 and 60
• D. 60 and 90

Answer: (C)

The correct choice highlights the two main latitudinal zones associated with rising motion and surface low pressure, which occur at the equator (0 degrees latitude) and around 60 degrees north and south latitude.

At the equator, warm air rises due to intense solar heating, creating a zone of low pressure. This phenomenon is part of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where trade winds from both hemispheres converge, leading to significant convective activity and cloud formation. This area is known for its frequent thunderstorms and precipitation.

Similarly, around 60 degrees latitude, the subpolar regions experience rising air driven by the convergence of warm, moist air from the mid-latitudes with colder polar air. This interaction leads to the formation of extratropical low-pressure systems, which are characterized by fronts and stormy weather.

Understanding these latitudinal zones is crucial for comprehending global weather patterns and the distribution of precipitation around the Earth. The other options do not accurately capture the significance of these specific latitudes in relation to rising motion and low-pressure systems.