Which of the following factors affects the generation and flow of Equ...
The westerly winds develop within the equatorial trough when the Intertropical Convergence Zone is well north or south of the Equator. The northeasterly or southeasterly trade winds cross the Equator and, because of the reversal of the Coriolis effect, acquire a westerly component. The term is also applied to the westerlies that arc present throughout most of the year in the eastern Indian Ocean.
Which of the following factors affects the generation and flow of Equ...
Movement of Inter-tropical convergence zone:
The movement of the Inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) is one of the factors that affect the generation and flow of Equatorial Westerlies.
The ITCZ is a low-pressure belt that encircles the Earth near the equator. It is characterized by the convergence of trade winds from the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere. The zone moves northward during summer in the Northern Hemisphere and southward during summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
1. During the summer in the Northern Hemisphere, the ITCZ moves northward, resulting in the convergence of trade winds from the Northern Hemisphere and the Equatorial Westerlies. This convergence leads to the generation of Equatorial Westerlies.
2. Similarly, during the summer in the Southern Hemisphere, the ITCZ moves southward, resulting in the convergence of trade winds from the Southern Hemisphere and the Equatorial Westerlies. This convergence also leads to the generation of Equatorial Westerlies.
Coriolis force caused due to the rotation of Earth:
The Coriolis force, which is caused due to the rotation of the Earth, is another factor that affects the generation and flow of Equatorial Westerlies.
The Coriolis force is an apparent force that deflects the motion of objects, including air masses, on the rotating Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, the deflection is to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is to the left.
1. The Coriolis force deflects the trade winds from the Northern Hemisphere towards the right, resulting in the formation of Equatorial Westerlies.
2. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects the trade winds towards the left, also resulting in the formation of Equatorial Westerlies.
Both 1 and 2:
Therefore, both the movement of the Inter-tropical convergence zone and the Coriolis force caused due to the rotation of the Earth play a role in the generation and flow of Equatorial Westerlies. The movement of the ITCZ leads to the convergence of trade winds, while the Coriolis force deflects these winds to form the Equatorial Westerlies. Hence, option C, "Both 1 and 2," is the correct answer.