Question map
Which one among the following statements relating to an anticyclone is correct ?
Explanation
An anticyclone is a large-scale atmospheric circulation characterized by a central region of high atmospheric pressure [c3][t1]. In these systems, the air pressure at the center is higher than the surrounding areas, causing air to sink and diverge outward from the center [t4][t5]. This outward movement (divergence) contradicts Option 2, which incorrectly suggests inward movement. Regarding wind direction, the Coriolis effect causes anticyclonic winds to rotate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere [c2][t1][t8]. This makes Option 4 incorrect as it claims clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere. While anticyclones influence weather by bringing clear skies and stable conditions, their contribution is often described as bringing 'settled' or 'fine' weather rather than being the primary significant driver of complex weather changes compared to cyclones [c3][t2]. Thus, Option 1 is the only fundamentally correct statement.
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Centripetal Acceleration > p. 309
- [2] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 14: Climate > Cyclonic Activity > p. 143
- [3] https://forecast.weather.gov/glossary.php?word=CYC
- [4] https://www.bom.gov.au/glossary