Which one of the following statements about North-facing slopes and So

Which one of the following statements about North-facing slopes and South-facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere is not correct?

[amp_mcq option1=”North-facing slopes are snow covered while South-facing slopes are bare.” option2=”North-facing slopes get less intense radiation as compared to South-facing slopes.” option3=”Snow on North-facing slopes is found at a lower altitude than South-facing slopes.” option4=”Tree line characteristics on North-facing slopes and South-facing slopes are similar.” correct=”option4″]

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UPSC Geoscientist – 2022

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In the Northern Hemisphere, South-facing slopes receive more direct solar radiation than North-facing slopes. This difference in insolation leads to significant differences in temperature, soil moisture, snow cover duration, and ultimately, vegetation patterns and species distribution. The tree line, which is the upper limit of tree growth limited by cold temperatures and snow duration, is typically found at a lower altitude on colder, wetter North-facing slopes compared to warmer, drier South-facing slopes. Therefore, the tree line characteristics are generally *not* similar on North-facing and South-facing slopes.

– Solar radiation intensity (B) is higher on South-facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere.
– Lower insolation on North-facing slopes leads to lower temperatures and longer-lasting snow cover (A), often resulting in snow being present at lower altitudes (C).
– These environmental differences (temperature, moisture, snow) drive differences in plant communities and ecological boundaries like the tree line.

This phenomenon of ecological differences based on aspect (the direction a slope faces) is well-studied and results in distinct microclimates and vegetation zones on opposite-facing slopes within the same mountain range or area. The effect is reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, where North-facing slopes receive more direct solar radiation.

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