HORSE LATITUDE Meaning and
Definition
-
Horse latitude refers to the regions between 30 and 35 degrees north and south of the equator, characterized by calm and variable winds. These latitudes are known for their high atmospheric pressure compared to other areas around them, which gives rise to stagnant and windless conditions.
The term "horse latitude" originated from the historical practice of European sailors transporting horses by ship during the Age of Discovery. It was observed that the zones around these latitudes were often encountered during these voyages, and the lack of wind caused delays and jeopardized the fragile health of the horses onboard. Consequently, the sailors were known to throw the horses overboard to save on valuable resources, leading to the term "horse latitude."
In these regions, the combination of atmospheric characteristics, such as descending air masses and the influence of the subtropical high-pressure systems, creates an area of calm and unpredictable weather. The wind patterns are highly variable and tend to shift direction frequently, making it challenging for sailors to navigate through these waters.
Today, the term "horse latitude" is predominantly used in a historical or poetic sense and is less relevant to sailors due to advances in modern navigation technology. Nonetheless, it persists as a unique geographical feature and a reminder of the challenges faced by early seafarers in these latitudes.
Common Misspellings for HORSE LATITUDE
- gorse latitude
- borse latitude
- norse latitude
- jorse latitude
- uorse latitude
- yorse latitude
- hirse latitude
- hkrse latitude
- hlrse latitude
- hprse latitude
- h0rse latitude
- h9rse latitude
- hoese latitude
- hodse latitude
- hofse latitude
- hotse latitude
- ho5se latitude
- ho4se latitude
- horae latitude
Etymology of HORSE LATITUDE
The term "horse latitude" has an interesting etymology. It originated from the phrase "dead horse latitude", which was a nautical term used in the 16th and 17th centuries to describe certain areas of the ocean where ships tended to be becalmed or got stuck due to lack of wind. In these regions, sailors sometimes had to throw their dead, and therefore useless, horses overboard to conserve resources and lighten the load.
The origins of the term itself are not entirely clear, and there are a few theories regarding its etymology. One theory suggests that "horse latitude" is a corruption of the Spanish term "la hora de las latitudes" (the time of the latitudes), which was used to describe the area where the phenomenon occurred.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
