Consider the following statements:
- Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
- Only some cyclones develop an eye.
- The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Jet streams occur in both hemispheres, not just the Northern Hemisphere. The eye of a cyclone is warmer than its surroundings due to adiabatic heating from subsiding air, not cooler. Only strong tropical cyclones develop a well-defined eye structure.
✅ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Jet streams occur in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at high altitudes (10-15 km), not exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Only some cyclones, particularly intense tropical cyclones (hurricanes/typhoons), develop a well-defined eye at their center.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The eye of a cyclone is warmer (2-10°C higher) than the surroundings due to adiabatic heating from subsiding air, not cooler.
📝 Short Notes: Tropical Cyclones and Jet Streams
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Jet Streams | Fast-moving air currents at 10-15 km altitude; occur in both hemispheres; located at boundaries between troposphere and stratosphere; influence weather patterns |
| Cyclone Eye | Calm, low-pressure center found only in intense cyclones; characterized by clear skies, light winds, and warmer temperatures |
| Eye Temperature | 2-10°C warmer than surroundings due to subsiding air compressing and heating adiabatically |
| Eye Wall | Ring of thunderstorms surrounding the eye; contains the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall |
| Cyclone Formation | Requires sea surface temperature >27°C, Coriolis force, low wind shear, and atmospheric instability |
Question 1 of 3 Pressure Belts and Winds
Practice PYQ questions from this topic across all years
First question in this topic
Consider the following statements: The winds that blow between 30 degrees N and 60...