Question map
Consider the following statements about anticyclones : 1. Anticyclones are high pressure systems. 2. Air in the centre of the system must be subsiding. 3. Anticyclones are characterized by converging winds. How many of the above statements is/are correct?
Explanation
Anticyclones are high-pressure systems characterized by specific atmospheric dynamics [1][4]. Statement 1 is correct as anticyclones are defined by high pressure at the center with a gentle pressure gradient [1][3]. Statement 2 is also correct; in an anticyclone, air must subside (sink) from above toward the surface to maintain the high-pressure system [2][4]. This sinking motion leads to stable conditions and clear skies [1][3]. Statement 3 is incorrect because anticyclones are characterized by diverging winds at the surface, where air moves outward from the center [2][4]. Convergence in an anticyclone occurs only in the upper troposphere to feed the subsiding air column, while surface winds flow clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere [3][4]. Therefore, only two statements (1 and 2) are correct.
Sources
- [1] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 14: Climate > Cyclonic Activity > p. 143
- [4] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems > Pressure and Wind > p. 79
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Centripetal Acceleration > p. 309
- [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Buoyant Force > p. 307