The subtropics at 30° north and south of the equator are characterized by arid lands. This is primarily a result of:

A) rising hot air caused by solar heating in these zones
B) descending hot air that heats the ground
C) descending, dry air that is part of a cell that originates at the equator
D) rising cool, dry air that flows in a cell to the equator
E) polar air that flows towards the equator

Arid Lands

Regions characterized by a severe lack of available water, to the extent of hindering or preventing the growth and development of plant and animal life.

Subtropics

Geographical zones located directly north and south of the tropics, approximately centered on 30°S and 30°N.

Equator

An imaginary line around the Earth equidistant from the poles, dividing it into northern and southern hemispheres and marking the 0-degree latitude line.