Which of the following statement is NOT correct?a) The oceanic circula...
Answer: c)
Explanation: Major ocean currents are greatly influenced by the stresses exerted by the prevailing winds and coriolis force. The oceanic circulation pattern roughly corresponds to the earth’s atmospheric circulation pattern. The air circulation over the oceans in the middle latitudes is mainly anticyclonic (more pronounced in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere). The oceanic circulation pattern also corresponds with the same. At higher latitudes, where the wind flow is mostly cyclonic, the oceanic circulation follows this pattern.
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Which of the following statement is NOT correct?a) The oceanic circula...
The correct answer is option 'C': The air circulation over the oceans in the higher latitudes is mainly anticyclonic.
Explanation:
The oceanic circulation pattern and the earth's atmospheric circulation pattern are closely related, with both being driven by similar forces such as temperature gradients, pressure systems, and the rotation of the Earth. However, there are some differences in the air circulation over the oceans in different latitudes.
Middle Latitudes:
In the middle latitudes (around 30° to 60°), the air circulation over the oceans is mainly cyclonic. This is due to the presence of the polar front, which is a zone of transition between cold polar air and warmer air from the tropics. The polar front acts as a boundary between the Ferrel and Polar cells in the atmospheric circulation. In this region, low-pressure systems (cyclones) and associated fronts dominate, leading to stormy weather and significant precipitation.
Higher Latitudes:
In the higher latitudes (above 60°), the air circulation over the oceans is mainly anticyclonic. This is because these regions are closer to the poles and experience colder temperatures. The cold air at high latitudes creates high-pressure systems (anticyclones) that are associated with stable and calm weather conditions. These anticyclones often result in clear skies and light winds.
The anticyclonic circulation in higher latitudes is influenced by the polar high-pressure system, which is a region of high atmospheric pressure centered near the poles. This high-pressure system is caused by the sinking of cold air and the divergence of air at the surface. The polar high-pressure system is stronger in winter when the temperature gradient between the poles and lower latitudes is greater.
Conclusion:
In summary, the statement that is not correct is option 'C': The air circulation over the oceans in the higher latitudes is mainly anticyclonic. In reality, the air circulation over the oceans in the higher latitudes is mainly cyclonic.