Question map
Which of the following statements characterise the anticyclones? 1. Anticyclones are low pressure systems. 2. They are characterised by divergent wind circulation. 3. They are indicative of dry weather conditions. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Anticyclones are high-pressure systems, not low-pressure systems, which makes statement 1 incorrect [c1, c2]. They are characterized by a central region of high atmospheric pressure where air subsides or sinks toward the surface [t2, t4]. As this air reaches the ground, it spreads outward, resulting in a divergent wind circulation [c4, c5]. This sinking motion (subsidence) inhibits cloud formation because the air warms adiabatically as it descends, leading to stable atmospheric conditions [t2, t3]. Consequently, anticyclones are typically indicative of dry, fine, and settled weather with clear skies [c2, t5]. In the Northern Hemisphere, the wind circulation around an anticyclone is clockwise, while it is counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere [c1, t1]. Therefore, only statements 2 and 3 correctly characterize anticyclones.
Sources
- [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems > General circulation of the atmosphere > p. 79
- [2] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 14: Climate > Cyclonic Activity > p. 143
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 28: Temperate Cyclones > Ideal Source Regions (Conditions For The Formation Of Air Masses) > p. 396
- [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Buoyant Force > p. 307
- [5] https://forecast.weather.gov/glossary.php?word=CYC
- [6] https://ecn.ac.uk/what-we-do/education/tutorials-weather-climate/anticyclones-and-depressions/anticyclones