Which of the following statements regarding cyclones and anti-cyclones

Which of the following statements regarding cyclones and anti-cyclones is/are correct ?

  • 1. In the Northern Hemisphere, cyclones rotate counter clockwise and anticyclones rotate clockwise.
  • 2. Cyclones are often associated with cloudy or rainy weather, whereas anticyclones are often associated with fair weather.
  • 3. In the Southern Hemisphere, the cyclonic spiral will be clockwise because the Coriolis force acts to the left.

Select the answer using the code given below :

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2024
Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
Statement 1 is correct. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects moving objects (like air) to the right. Air flows inwards towards a low-pressure system (cyclone), and this deflection causes it to rotate counter-clockwise. Air flows outwards from a high-pressure system (anticyclone), and this deflection causes it to rotate clockwise. Statement 2 is correct. Cyclones are areas of low pressure where air converges and rises, leading to cooling, condensation, cloud formation, and precipitation. Anticyclones are areas of high pressure where air diverges and sinks, leading to warming and dissipation of clouds, resulting in fair, stable weather. Statement 3 is correct. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects moving objects to the left. Therefore, air flowing inwards towards a low-pressure system (cyclone) is deflected to the left, resulting in clockwise rotation.
The Coriolis effect is zero at the equator and increases towards the poles. Cyclones and anticyclones do not typically form near the equator.