PRELIMS मतलब MAD

Answer: D

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Southern Hemisphere has comparatively fewer large landmasses in the mid-latitudes. Therefore, the Westerlies encounter fewer physical barriers and blow more strongly and consistently.
• Statement 2 is correct: The Westerlies are prevailing winds that move from west to east between approximately 30° and 60° latitude in both hemispheres.
• Statement 3 is correct: These winds steer weather systems such as temperate cyclones and anticyclones. Consequently, they play an important role in shaping the weather of Europe, North America and other mid-latitude regions.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The Gobi Desert lies in the continental interior of Asia, far from oceans. Moisture-bearing winds lose much of their moisture before reaching the region.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The Gobi Desert is located far from the oceans and is not formed due to the influence of warm ocean currents.
• Statement 3 is correct: The Himalayas and other mountain systems obstruct moisture-laden winds, creating a rain-shadow zone over the region and contributing to its dryness.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: The stratosphere is a stable atmospheric layer with very limited convection or vertical air movement. This stability helps maintain its temperature inversion.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: The increase in temperature is not caused by the stratosphere being closer to the Sun. The difference in distance from the Sun across the atmospheric layers is negligible.
• Statement 3 is correct: Ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the Sun. The absorbed energy is converted into heat, causing temperature to increase with altitude in the stratosphere.

Answer: C

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: El Niño shifts atmospheric circulation and rainfall patterns. This often produces dry conditions and drought in Australia and parts of Southeast Asia.
• Statement 2 is incorrect: El Niño generally suppresses Atlantic hurricane activity. It increases vertical wind shear over the Atlantic, making the formation and intensification of hurricanes more difficult.
• Statement 3 is correct: During El Niño, Pacific trade winds weaken. This reduces the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water along the South American coast and disrupts marine ecosystems.

Answer: D

Explanation:

• Statement 1 is correct: Polar air contains very little moisture. Since water vapour helps retain heat, low humidity allows the atmosphere and surface to cool rapidly when solar radiation is absent.
• Statement 2 is correct: During polar winters, the Sun may remain below the horizon for several weeks or months. This prolonged absence of sunlight leads to extreme cooling.
• Statement 3 is correct: During summer, polar regions may experience continuous daylight, known as the Midnight Sun. Although the Sun remains at a low angle, the long duration of daylight produces significant seasonal warming.