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Difficulty: MediumPhysical Geography of the World

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

1. The Trade Winds blow from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts towards the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt.
2. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Westerlies are deflected to their left due to the Coriolis force.
3. The Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are dynamically induced high-pressure zones formed due to the subsidence of air.

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 are correct. Trade Winds blow from the Subtropical Highs toward the Equatorial Low. Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are formed dynamically by the subsidence of cooling air masses. Statement 2 is incorrect because the Coriolis force deflects winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, not to the left.
The option indicating 1 and 3 only is correct. Statement 1 accurately describes the origin and direction of the Trade Winds. Statement 3 correctly identifies Subtropical Highs as dynamically formed zones caused by descending air masses in the Hadley Cell. Statement 2 is false because Coriolis deflection in the Northern Hemisphere is to the right.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 (Trade Winds pattern)
Statement 1 is correct. Pressure gradient force drives surface air from the Subtropical High-Pressure Belts (~30° N/S) toward the Equatorial Low-Pressure Belt (Doldrums).
Air flows naturally from high-pressure zones to low-pressure zones.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 (Coriolis deflection rule)
Statement 2 is incorrect. The rotation of the Earth creates the Coriolis force, which deflects all planetary winds (including Westerlies) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Ferrel's Law specifies rightward deflection in the Northern Hemisphere.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 (Origin of Subtropical Highs)
Statement 3 is correct. The Subtropical High-Pressure Belts are dynamically induced zones caused by the subsidence (sinking) of warm air that rose at the equator and accumulated in the upper troposphere before descending around 30° latitude.
Unlike polar highs which are thermally induced by extreme cold, subtropical high belts stem from atmospheric circulation mechanics.

Key Concept

Planetary Winds and Atmospheric Pressure Belts
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Topics

Physical Geography of the World

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