UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2025

Consider the following statements: Statement I: The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in the subtropical and temperate regions than in the equatorial and polar regions. Statement II: Subtropical and temperate regions have less dry winds. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
  2. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
  3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
  4. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct

Explanation

Subtropical and temperate regions, being drier with more arid/semi-arid tracts, do have a higher concentration of dust particles than the humid equatorial regions or the largely ice/ocean-covered polar regions, making Statement I correct. However, these regions actually experience relatively more (not less) dry winds, which is precisely why dust content is higher there, so Statement II is incorrect.

Topics: atmosphere, dust, geography