Consider the following statements about jet streams:1. Easterly jet st...
Westerly jet stream blows over the northern Indian region in winter. The westerly jet stream is replaced by the easterly jet stream during summer. This helps in the onset of monsoon.
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Consider the following statements about jet streams:1. Easterly jet st...
Explanation:
Jet streams are high altitude, fast-flowing, narrow air currents that travel from west to east. They are located in the upper atmosphere, at a height of 10-15 km. They play a crucial role in determining the weather patterns, especially over the mid-latitude regions.
1. Easterly jet stream blows over the northern Indian region in winter:
This statement is incorrect. In fact, it is the westerly jet stream that blows over the northern Indian region in winter. The westerly jet stream is formed due to the temperature difference between the poles and the equator. During winter, the landmass in the northern hemisphere cools down rapidly, leading to a high-pressure zone. At the same time, the oceans in the southern hemisphere remain warmer, leading to a low-pressure zone. This creates a pressure gradient that drives the westerly jet stream from west to east. The westerly jet stream brings in cold and dry air from the higher latitudes, leading to cold temperatures in northern India.
2. The easterly jet stream is replaced by the westerly jet stream during summer:
This statement is also incorrect. In fact, it is the other way around. During summer, the landmass in the northern hemisphere heats up rapidly, leading to a low-pressure zone. At the same time, the oceans in the southern hemisphere remain cooler, leading to a high-pressure zone. This creates a pressure gradient that drives the easterly jet stream from east to west. The easterly jet stream brings in warm and moist air from the Indian Ocean, leading to the monsoon rains in India.
Therefore, both statements are incorrect, and the correct answer is option 'D' - Neither 1 nor 2.