UPSC Prelims 2003·GS1·geography·climatology

Assertion (A): The amount of moisture in the atmosphere is related to latitude. Reason (R): The capacity to hold moisture in the form of water vapour is related to temperature.

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

Explanation

The correct answer is A because both statements are true and the reason directly explains the assertion. The capacity of air to hold moisture is primarily determined by its temperature. Warmer air can hold more water vapor than colder air. This confirms that Reason R is true. The amount of moisture in the atmosphere varies with latitude because air temperature decreases as we move from the equator toward the poles. Since the equator receives more direct sunlight and has higher temperatures, the air there has a higher capacity to hold moisture compared to the colder polar regions. Therefore, the distribution of moisture is directly related to latitude because latitude determines the temperature. This confirms that Assertion A is true and that Reason R is the underlying cause for it.
geography: Assertion (A): The amount of moisture in the atmosphere is related to latitude. Reason (R): The capacity to hold moistur

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