Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in northern hemisphere. Why?
- Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere.
- Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
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1 only
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2 only
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Both 1 and 2
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Neither 1 nor 2
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct.
The higher speed and greater persistence of the Westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere are caused by the difference in the atmospheric pressure patterns as well as its variation from that of Northern Hemisphere. The landmass in the southern hemisphere is comparatively less and average pressure decreases more rapidly on the poleward.
Statement 2 is incorrect.
Coriolis force is strongest in polar regions, zero at equator and at intermediate levels, it varies directly as the Sine of the latitude.