UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 19
Consider the following statements :
Statement-I : Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles.
Statement-II : At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A (Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I)
Explanation: Equatorial solar heating drives strong convection and an elevated tropopause, making the tropical troposphere markedly thicker than over the poles.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
I. Correct/True - The troposphere is typically ~16–18 km near the equator and much shallower near the poles.
II. Correct/True - Convection in the warm tropics lifts air and heat to great altitudes.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Correct-both statements hold, and II explains I.
B. Incorrect-Statement II directly explains the situation in Statement I.
C. Incorrect-Statement II is true, not false: Convection in the warm tropics lifts air and heat to great altitudes.
D. Incorrect-Statement I is true, not false: The troposphere is typically ~16–18 km near the equator and much shallower near the poles.