Which of the following statements is correct about laterite soil?(1)This soil is developed in areas with high temperature and heavy rainfall.(2)It is poor in iron oxide and aluminium.Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1. A

   Only 1

   Option (a) states that only statement 1 is correct, meaning laterite soil develops in regions with high temperature and heavy rainfall. This statement is factually accurate because intense leaching under tropical conditions washes away silica and leaves behind sesquioxides. Consequently, this option correctly identifies the formation condition while rejecting the second false claim, making it the right choice.

2. B

   Only 2

   Option (b) claims that only statement 2 is correct, asserting that laterite soil is poor in iron oxide and aluminium. This is incorrect because laterite soils are actually rich in oxides of iron and aluminium, which give them their characteristic red color. Therefore, relying solely on this statement leads to an erroneous conclusion.

3. C

   Both 1 and 2

   Option (c) claims that both statements 1 and 2 are correct. While the first statement about climate and development is true, the second statement is false because laterite soils contain a high concentration of iron and aluminium. Thus, combining both claims makes this option invalid.

4. D

   Neither 1 nor 2

   Option (d) asserts that neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct. This is wrong because the first statement accurately describes the climatic conditions required for the formation of laterite soil through intense leaching. Dismissing both statements ignores this valid geographical fact.

Summary. Official key is (a) because laterite soil develops under conditions of high temperature and heavy rainfall through intense leaching. Statement 1 is therefore correct as it correctly identifies these tropical formation parameters. Statement 2 is incorrect because laterite soil is rich, not poor, in iron oxide and aluminium. Consequently, only the first statement holds true.