Deserts Typically Form at ____ Latitude Where ____

Question

Deserts typically form at ____ latitude where ____.  
A) 30 degrees; cool dry air descends
B) 60 degrees; warm dry air descends
C) 0 degrees; there is intense sunlight
D) 60 degrees; warm dry air ascends
E) 75 degrees; rising air picks up moisture

Accepted Answer

Deserts typically form at 30 degrees latitude where cool dry air descends. As this air descends, it warms up and becomes drier, creating the arid conditions characteristic of deserts. This is due to the way in which air circulates in the atmosphere, with hot, moist air rising at the equator and cooler, drier air sinking at the poles. At around 30 degrees north and south of the equator, this descending air creates areas of high pressure, which inhibits precipitation and leads to desert formation.