Question map
Which one of the following statements with regard to Jet stream, an upper level tropospheric wave, is not correct?
Explanation
Jet streams are narrow, concentrated bands of high-velocity geostrophic winds located in the upper troposphere [4]. They typically follow a meandering wave path (Rossby waves) near the tropopause at altitudes ranging from 8 km to 15 km [4]. While they are generally continuous over long distances, especially in winter, their strength and position vary seasonally [1]. Statement 4 is incorrect because the polar front jet achieves its maximum force during the winter, not summer [1]. This is due to the increased temperature gradient between polar and temperate air masses during the winter months, which strengthens the jet and makes it more continuous [2]. In summer, the temperature contrast is lower, causing the jet to weaken, shift poleward, and meander more significantly [5].
Sources
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 27: Jet streams > 27. Jet streams > p. 383
- [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > JET STREAM AND INDIAN MONSOON > p. 7
- [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 27: Jet streams > Upper Tropospheric Westerlies > p. 385
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 27: Jet streams > Polar Front Jet (PFJ) > p. 388
- [5] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 27: Jet streams > How Does Polar Vortex Slip? > p. 392