Option 1: Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I.

This means that both Statement I and Statement II are true, and Statement II provides the correct explanation for Statement I.

Statement I claims that the Atacama is the driest among the deserts of the world. This is true, as the Atacama Desert in Chile is known for its extremely dry conditions, with some areas not receiving any rainfall for hundreds of years.

Statement II states that the aridity of the Atacama is explained by its location between two mountain chains that prevent moisture advection from either the Pacific or the Atlantic Ocean. This is also true. The Atacama Desert is situated between the Andes Mountains to the east and the Chilean Coastal Range to the west. These mountain chains block moisture-laden air from reaching the desert, resulting in its arid conditions.

Therefore, both statements are true, and Statement II provides the correct explanation for why the Atacama is the driest desert in the world.