Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in northern hemisphere. Why? 1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere. 2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1 onlyCorrect
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Explanation
The correct answer is A because of the following reasons:
Statement 1 is correct. The Southern Hemisphere is predominantly covered by oceans with very little landmass to obstruct the flow of winds. In contrast, the Northern Hemisphere has large continents, mountains, and varied topography that create friction and disrupt the speed and direction of the Westerlies. Due to this lack of physical barriers, the winds in the Southern Hemisphere become much stronger and more persistent, leading to phenomena known as the Roaring Forties, Furious Fifties, and Shrieking Sixties.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Coriolis force is not higher in the Southern Hemisphere. The magnitude of the Coriolis force depends on the latitude and the speed of the wind, not on the specific hemisphere. At the same latitude in both hemispheres, the Coriolis force remains the same. Therefore, it is not a reason for the Westerlies being stronger in the south.
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