Q2 · UPSC Prelims 2024 · Set A · Geography

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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 ?

A Bothe Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II explains Statement-I
B Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
C Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
D Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Correct answer: (a) Bothe Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II explains Statement-I

Explanation

  1. A

    Bothe Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II explains Statement-I

    Both correct and II explains I. Equatorial convection stacks a thicker troposphere than at the poles.

  2. B

    Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

    Both correct but II does not explain I. Convection is why the tropopause is higher at the equator.

  3. C

    Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

    I correct, II incorrect. Strong equatorial convection is real.

  4. D

    Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

    I incorrect, II correct. The tropopause is higher in the tropics.

Summary. Official key is (a). The troposphere is much thicker at the equator (~16–18 km) than at the poles (~8 km). Intense heating drives deep convection that carries heat to great heights, lifting the tropopause. Statement-II therefore explains Statement-I.

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