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The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere. They are caused due to
1. Air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole
2. Earth's rotation
3. Equatorial counter-currents
4. Thermal dipole created in the Pacific Ocean
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
  • a)
    1, 3 and 4 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 2 only
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern H...
The correct answer is option 'C' - 1 and 2 only.

Explanation:
The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere. These winds are primarily caused by two factors:

1. Air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole:
The Earth's rotation and the difference in temperature between the equator and the poles create a pressure gradient, causing air to flow from the equator towards the poles. This flow of air is known as the Ferrel cell. In the Southern Hemisphere, the air is deflected to the left due to the Coriolis effect, resulting in the westerly winds known as the Roaring Forties.

2. Earth's rotation:
The rotation of the Earth also plays a significant role in the formation of the Roaring Forties. The Coriolis effect, which is caused by the rotation of the Earth, causes the moving air to be deflected to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is what creates the westerly winds.

However, the other options mentioned in the question are not directly responsible for the formation of the Roaring Forties:

3. Equatorial counter-currents:
Equatorial counter-currents refer to the eastward flowing currents found near the equator. While these currents do influence the ocean currents and atmospheric circulation patterns, they are not the main cause of the Roaring Forties.

4. Thermal dipole created in the Pacific Ocean:
A thermal dipole refers to the contrast in sea surface temperatures between two regions. While temperature differences can affect atmospheric circulation, a thermal dipole in the Pacific Ocean does not directly cause the Roaring Forties.

In conclusion, the Roaring Forties are primarily caused by the displacement of air from the Equator towards the South Pole and the Earth's rotation. Other factors such as equatorial counter-currents and thermal dipoles may influence the atmospheric circulation patterns but are not the primary causes of the Roaring Forties.
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Community Answer
The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern H...
  • Hot air rises at the Equator and is pushed towards the poles by cooler air travelling towards the Equator (an atmospheric circulation feature known as the Hadley cell).
  • At about 30 degrees from the equator, the outward-travelling air sinks to lower altitudes, and continues towards the poles closer to the ground (the Ferrel Cell), then rises again from about 60 degrees as the air joins the Polar vortex.
  • This travel in the 30 to 60-degree zone combines with the rotation of the Earth to move the air currents from west to east, creating westerly winds.
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The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere. They are caused due to 1. Air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole2. Earth's rotation3. Equatorial counter-currents4. Thermal dipole created in the Pacific OceanSelect the correct answer using the codes below: a) 1, 3 and 4 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 2 onlyd) All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere. They are caused due to 1. Air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole2. Earth's rotation3. Equatorial counter-currents4. Thermal dipole created in the Pacific OceanSelect the correct answer using the codes below: a) 1, 3 and 4 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 2 onlyd) All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere. They are caused due to 1. Air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole2. Earth's rotation3. Equatorial counter-currents4. Thermal dipole created in the Pacific OceanSelect the correct answer using the codes below: a) 1, 3 and 4 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 2 onlyd) All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere. They are caused due to 1. Air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole2. Earth's rotation3. Equatorial counter-currents4. Thermal dipole created in the Pacific OceanSelect the correct answer using the codes below: a) 1, 3 and 4 onlyb) 2 and 3 onlyc) 1 and 2 onlyd) All of the aboveCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
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