UPSC Prelims 2025 · Question 46 of 100
UPSC Prelims 2025 question on Atmospheric Dust Distribution
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2025
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicClimatology
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeAssertion
Consider the following statements:
Statement I:
The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions.
Statement II:
Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Show answer
Answer: C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
Statement I – CORRECT: Dust particles are generally concentrated in the lower layers of the atmosphere; yet, convectional air currents may transport them to great heights. The higher concentration of dust particles is found in subtropical and temperate regions due to the presence of dry winds in comparison to equatorial and polar regions. Hence Statement I is correct.
Statement II – INCORRECT: Subtropical and temperate areas actually have MORE dry winds (not less), which is precisely why they have higher concentrations of dust particles. Equatorial regions have high humidity and rainfall that settle dust, while polar regions have cold and moist conditions. The existence of dry winds in subtropical and temperate areas is the cause of higher dust concentration — so Statement II (claiming less dry winds) is not correct.
Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct → Option (c).