|
#REDIRECT [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]] {{R from merge}}
{{redirect|The Doldrums|the Ariel album|The Doldrums (album)}}
{{Otheruses}}
{{wiktionary|doldrums}}
The '''doldrums''' is a [[colloquial]] expression derived from historical [[maritime history|maritime]] usage, which refers to those parts of the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and the [[Pacific Ocean]] affected by a low-pressure area around the [[equator]] where the [[prevailing winds]] are calm. The doldrums are also noted for calm periods when the winds disappear altogether, trapping [[sailing ship]]s for periods of days or weeks. The term appears to have arisen in the eighteenth century, when trans-equator sailing voyages became more common. Since this zone is where two [[trade winds]] meet, it is also called the [[Intertropical Convergence Zone]]. They roughly lie between latitudes 5° north and south.
==Maritime usage==
In maritime usage, the low pressure characteristics of the doldrums are caused by the expanding atmosphere due to heating at the equator, which makes the air rise and travel north and south high in the atmosphere, until it subsides again in the [[horse latitudes]]. Some of that air returns to the doldrums through the [[trade winds]]. This process can lead to light or variable winds and more severe weather, in the form of [[squall]]s, thunderstorms, and hurricanes. The doldrums are also noted for calm periods when the winds disappear altogether, trapping sail-powered boats for periods of days or weeks.{{Citation needed|date=September 2015}}
==Colloquial usage==
Colloquially, the "doldrums" are a state of inactivity, mild depression, listlessness, or stagnation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doldrums |title=Doldrums|work=Merriam-Webster Dictionary}}</ref> The word may be derived from ''dold,'' an archaic term meaning "stupid", and ''-rum(s)'', a noun suffix found in such words as "[[tantrum]]."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/doldrums|work=Random House Dictionary|publisher= Random House, Inc.|date= 2011|title=Doldrums}}</ref>
==In literature==
The doldrums are notably described in [[Samuel Taylor Coleridge]]'s poem ''[[The Rime of the Ancient Mariner]]'' (1798), in [[Patrick O'Brian]]'s novel ''[[Desolation Island (novel)|Desolation Island]]'' (1978), and in [[Laura Hillenbrand]]'s non-fiction book ''[[Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption]]'' (2010). Additionally, the Doldrums are a fictional place in [[Norton Juster]]'s novel ''[[The Phantom Tollbooth]]'' (1961).
==See also==
*[[Horse latitudes]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Geography terminology]]
[[Category:Nautical terminology]]
[[nl:Doldrum]]
| 