Most of the worlds deserts are located at latitudes where A) hot, dry air moving

Question

Most of the worlds deserts are located at latitudes where

A) hot, dry air moving toward the poles descends.
B) hot, dry air moving toward the equator rises.
C) cold, dry air moving toward the equator descends.
D) hot, dry air moving toward the poles rises.
E) cold, dry air moving toward the poles descends.

Explanation / Answer

I also believe the answer is E. Hot air is able to hold a lot of water vapor and rises around theequator before cooling and releasing it as condensation. -->rainforests (eliminate A,B, D) The air at higher latitudes (away from equator toward poles) istherefore cool and dry from releasing the water vapor andexpansion, descending. Cool air + increased pressure = high abilityto absorb water vapor and deserts form. Source: Stanley, Earth System History,2nd Ed. Notes found here (scroll down to "climatebelts"): http://myweb.cwpost.liu.edu/vdivener/notes/earth_env.htm

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