UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to the poles. Statement-II: At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents. Which one of the following is correct?

  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 incorrect.
  4. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Answer

Correct Answer

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.

Explanation

The troposphere is considerably thicker at the equator than at the poles. Strong solar heating near the equator generates vigorous convection, which transports heat upward and causes the troposphere to extend to greater altitudes. Thus, both statements are correct, and Statement-II explains Statement-I.

Topics: atmospheric layers, climatology, geography, troposphere thickness