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Westerlies in the southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in the northern hemisphere. Why?
1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere.
2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere.

(a)

1 only

(b)

2 only

(c)

Both 1 and 2

(d)

Neither 1 nor 2

Correct Answer

(a)

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The southern hemisphere has less landmass, leading to less friction and stronger westerlies. Statement 2 is not correct: The Coriolis force is strongest at the poles and weakest at the equator.

Microtheme: ClimatologyXWind and Pressure Systems —
7 questions asked in Prelims in the past.

  1. [2024] With reference to “Coriolis force,” which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.
    2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.
    Select the answer using the code given below:

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (C) Both 1 and 2
  2. [2015] (1) The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies.
    (2) The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (B) 2 only
  3. [2014] The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

    • (a) Equatorial climate
    • (b) Mediterranean climate
    • (c) Monsoon climate
    • (d) All of the above climates
    Correct Answer: (C) Monsoon climate
  4. [2011] Westerlies in the southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in the northern hemisphere. Why?
    1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere.
    2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere.

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
  5. [2011] What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of African and Eurasian desert belts?
    1. It is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells.
    2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents.

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only
  6. [2010] What causes wind to deflect toward left in the Southern hemisphere ?

    • (a) Temperature
    • (b) Magnetic Field
    • (c) Rotation of the Earth
    • (d) Pressure
    Correct Answer: (C) Rotation of the Earth
  7. [2009] Consider the following statements :
    1. In the world, the tropical deserts occur along the western margins of continents within the trade wind belt.
    2. In India, the East Himalayan region gets high rainfall from north-east winds.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

    • (a) 1 only
    • (b) 2 only
    • (c) Both 1 and 2
    • (d) Neither 1 nor 2
    Correct Answer: (A) 1 only