Consider the following statements about anticyclones :
- 1. Anticyclones are high pressure systems.
- 2. Air in the centre of the system must be subsiding.
- 3. Anticyclones are characterized by converging winds.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
1
2
3
None
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2022
1. Anticyclones are high pressure systems: This is correct. Anticyclones are defined as areas of high atmospheric pressure, relative to their surroundings.
2. Air in the centre of the system must be subsiding: This is correct. High pressure at the surface is associated with descending air (subsidence) from aloft. As air descends, it warms and dries, leading to stable atmospheric conditions and often clear skies.
3. Anticyclones are characterized by converging winds: This is incorrect. Anticyclones are characterized by diverging winds at the surface, flowing outwards from the high-pressure center. In the Northern Hemisphere, these winds diverge clockwise, and in the Southern Hemisphere, they diverge counter-clockwise due to the Coriolis effect. Convergence occurs aloft above the anticyclone.