The physical world map shows that there is a certain definite pattern to the location of the world’s deserts. Consider the following statements in this context-

1. Almost all deserts lie within 15 and 30 degrees north and south of the equator
2. Almost all deserts lie in the trade wind belt on the western parts of the continent

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans-[C]

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Majority of the world deserts are found along the Tropic of Cancer, between 15 and 30 degrees north of the Equator, or along the Tropic of Capricorn, between 15 and 30 degrees south of the Equator.

Statement 2 is also correct. These desert lie in the trade wind belt on the western parts of the continents. Here trade winds are off-shore and they are influenced by cold currents which produce a ‘desiccating effect’. This causes very less rain.