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Q149 (IAS/2002) Geography › World Physical Geography › Atmospheric pressure winds Answer Verified

Assertion (A) : The surface winds spiral inwards upon the centre of the cyclone. Reason (R) : Air descends in the centre of the cyclone.

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: C
Explanation

Assertion is true: surface winds spiral inward toward a cyclone’s centre because the low central pressure induces surface convergence and, under the influence of Coriolis force and near‑surface friction, these winds turn and spiral toward the low-pressure core. Tropical cyclone rainbands and low-level flow are characterized by moist air converging at the surface and ascending into the cyclone, feeding the central low [1]. Reason is false: air does not descend in the centre of a cyclone; instead the centre (or eyewall region in mature tropical cyclones) is associated with strong upward motion and divergence aloft. Descending (subsiding) air is characteristic of anticyclones and high-pressure systems, not cyclones [1].

Sources

  1. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 26: Tropical Cyclones > Rain Bands (Spiral Bands) > p. 367
  2. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Buoyant Force > p. 307
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