Q. Consider the following statements regarding the geographical factors contributing to desert formation:
1.Rain shadow regions are formed on the windward side of mountain ranges during plate convergence due to the blocking of rain-bearing clouds.
2.Cold ocean currents running parallel to coasts suppress atmospheric evaporation, directly preventing cloud formation and inducing desertification.
3.Subtropical high-pressure belts cause descending air movements, creating stable atmospheric conditions that prevent convective precipitation.
4.Off-shore winds bring moisture-laden air masses from the ocean interiors toward coastal belts, driving structural landward desertification.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Answer: B
Notes:
Detailed Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect: Rain shadow regions are formed on the leeward side (sheltered side) of mountain ranges, not the windward side. The windward side receives heavy precipitation as air rises and condenses.
- Statement 2 is correct: Cold ocean currents cool the overriding air masses, creating high atmospheric stability and thermal inversions that prevent evaporation and deep convection, resulting in hyper-arid coastal deserts.
- Statement 3 is correct: High-pressure zones feature dynamically sinking (subsiding) air. Sinking air warms adiabatically and dries out, suppressing the upward air currents needed for condensation and cloud formation.
- Statement 4 is incorrect: On-shore winds bring moisture from the sea to the land. Off-shore winds blow from the dry interior of landmasses toward the sea, depriving coastal zones of moisture.
