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Difficulty: HardPhysical Geography of the World

With reference to planetary winds and atmospheric pressure belts of the Earth, consider the following statements:

1. The Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are dynamically induced zones formed primarily due to the subsidence of air accumulating aloft from the equatorial and sub-polar regions.
2. The Westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere are significantly stronger and more continuous than in the Northern Hemisphere owing to the vast expanse of landmasses in the Southern Hemisphere.
3. Trade winds blow from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts toward the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt and are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere by the Coriolis force.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    1 and 2 only
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

Statements 1 and 3 only are correct.
The correct combination includes statements 1 and 3. The Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are dynamically induced zones resulting from the subsidence and accumulation of upper-level air currents moving away from the equator. Trade winds moving toward the equator are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere by the Coriolis force. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Southern Hemisphere Westerlies are stronger due to the vast expanse of open oceans and minimal land friction, not because of large landmasses.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1 regarding the origin of Subtropical High-Pressure Belts.
The Subtropical Highs (around 30∘N30^\circ\text{N} and 30∘S30^\circ\text{S}) are dynamically driven belts produced by cooling and descending air aloft that poleward-moving equatorial Hadley cells push down.
This confirms Statement 1 is correct as it accurately describes dynamic subsidence.
2
Analyze Statement 2 regarding Southern Hemisphere Westerlies.
The Southern Hemisphere contains predominantly ocean water and far less land mass compared to the Northern Hemisphere. The lack of land friction makes the Westerlies fierce ('Roaring Forties', 'Furious Fifties').
Statement 2 falsely claims that large landmasses cause stronger winds, whereas land causes friction that weakens winds.
3
Analyze Statement 3 regarding Trade Winds and Coriolis deflection.
Trade winds flow from subtropical high-pressure zones to equatorial low-pressure zones (ITCZ). According to Ferrel's Law, the Coriolis force deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, forming Northeast Trade Winds.
This confirms Statement 3 is correct.

Key Concept

Global Atmospheric Circulation and Pressure Belts
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Topics

Physical Geography of the World

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