UPSC Prelims 2024 · Question 52 of 97
UPSC Prelims 2024 question on Troposphere Thickness Equator
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2024
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicClimatology
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeAssertion
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I:
Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles.
Statement-II:
At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Show answer
Answer: A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Verdict
Correct answer: Both statements correct and II explains I → Option (a).
Analysis
Statement II directly explains Statement I as convectional currents are the reason for greater thickness at the equator.
Statement by statement
Statement I – CORRECT: The troposphere is the lowermost layer of the atmosphere. Its average height is 13 km and extends roughly to a height of 8 km near the poles and about 18 km at the equator. Hence thickness at equator is much greater than at poles.
Statement II – CORRECT: Thickness of the troposphere is greatest at the equator because heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.