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Whose work first explained why deserts often sit in belts around 30 degrees latitude?

DesertsAtmospheric science

Quick Answer

George Hadley’s atmospheric circulation model helped explain the subtropical high-pressure zones where many of the world’s deserts form.

The Full Story

George Hadley proposed an early explanation of large-scale atmospheric circulation in 1735. His model helped later scientists understand why descending dry air tends to dominate around about 30 degrees north and south of the equator. Those subtropical high-pressure zones are where many major deserts occur, including the Sahara, Arabian, and Australian deserts. Hadley did not study deserts directly, but his circulation theory became a key foundation for desert climate science.

Key Facts

1.Hadley published his circulation idea in 1735
2.Many deserts lie near 30° north and south latitude
3.Descending dry air creates subtropical high-pressure zones

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Suggested video title for this topic:

"Why do so many deserts line up in the same parts of the world?"