UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 25
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 ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation: The Southern Hemisphere’s ocean-dominated midlatitudes let the westerlies flow with less topographic and frictional obstruction than in the Northern Hemisphere.
Statement / Item-wise Analysis:
1: Correct - Correct: fewer continental barriers allow stronger, more persistent circumpolar flow.
2: Incorrect - Incorrect: at the same absolute latitude the Coriolis-force magnitude is equal in both hemispheres (its sign differs).
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Correct - includes the supported statements and excludes the unsupported ones.
B: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 2; omits supported item 1.
C: Incorrect - includes unsupported item 2.
D: Incorrect - omits supported item 1.