Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement – 1: Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles.
Statement – 2: At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional corrects.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Exp) option a is the correct answer.
Statement I is correct. The thickness of the troposphere varies with latitude. It is thickest at the equator and thinnest at the poles. This variation is due to the differences in temperature and, consequently, the density of the air at different latitudes. Warm air is less dense and causes the troposphere to expand, making it thicker at the equator.
Statement II is correct. At the equator, the intense solar heating causes strong convectional currents. These currents transport heat to great heights, contributing to the greater thickness of the troposphere in this region.
Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement I. The strong convectional currents at the equator are the primary reason for the increased thickness of the troposphere compared to the poles.
Source: NCERT – Fundamentals of Physical Geography – Chapter: Climate
