Westerlies in the southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in the northern hemisphere. Why?1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to the northern hemisphere.2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphereWhich of the statements given above is/are correct?
✓ Correct answer: a) 1 only
ExplanationStatement 1 is correct : The primary reason the west- erlies in the Southern Hemisphere are stronger and more per- sistent than in the Northern Hemisphere is because the South- ern Hemisphere has significantly less landmass (about 20% land and 80% water), whereas the Northern Hemisphere has 40% land and 60% water.The vast oceans in the Southern Hemi- sphere allow westerly winds to move with minimal obstruc- tion, making them stronger and more persistent.In contrast, larger landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere create friction and disrupt wind flow.Statement 2 is incorrect : The Coriolis force acts equally in both hemispheres at the same latitude as it depends on the Earth’s ro- tation and the latitude.It does not make the westerlies stronger in one hemisphere over the other.The main reason for the differ- ence is the land-sea distribution.The Coriolis force is stronger near the poles and weaker at the equator, but it does not explain the difference in strength of the westerlies between the two hemispheres.42
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