UPSC Prelims 2002·GS1·geography·climatology

Assertion (A): The surface winds spiral inwards upon the centre of the cyclone. Reason (R): Air descends in the centre of the cyclone.

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  1. ABoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
  2. BBoth A and R are individually true but R is not a correct explanation of ACorrect
  3. CA is true but R is false
  4. DA is false but R is true

Explanation

The correct answer is B because both statements are scientifically accurate, but the Reason does not explain the Assertion. Assertion A is true because surface winds in a cyclone spiral inwards toward the low pressure center due to the pressure gradient force, which is then deflected by the Coriolis force. Reason R is also true because in the eye or the very center of a well developed cyclone, air actually descends from above. This descending air leads to calm conditions and clear skies within the eye. However, the Reason does not explain the Assertion. The inward spiraling of surface winds is caused by the convergence of air toward a low pressure area combined with the Coriolis effect. The descending air at the center is a separate structural feature of the cyclone and is not the cause of the inward spiraling surface winds. Therefore, both are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
geography: Assertion (A): The surface winds spiral inwards upon the centre of the cyclone. Reason (R): Air descends in the centre o
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