UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

With reference to water vapour, which of the following statements are correct? 1. It is a gas whose amount decreases with altitude. 2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Correct Answer

1 only

Explanation

Water vapour is concentrated mainly in the lower atmosphere, and its amount generally decreases with altitude. Its concentration is usually highest in warm, humid tropical regions and lowest in cold polar regions. Thus, Statement 1 is correct and Statement 2 is incorrect.

Topics: atmospheric moisture, climatology, geography, water vapour distribution