Subtropical high-pressure belts, typically found around 30 degrees north and south latitude, are characterized by descending dry air. This descending air suppresses cloud formation and precipitation, leading to arid conditions and thus desert formation. Conversely, deserts are generally associated with cold ocean currents along their western coasts, not warm ones, as cold currents cool the air above them, reducing its moisture-carrying capacity and leading to offshore trade winds that further dry out the adjacent land.