Consider the following statements: 1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Question

GSMediumPrelims 2020Physical Geography

Consider the following statements:

Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
Only some cyclones develop an eye.
The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect: Jet streams occur in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. They are fast-moving air currents found at high altitudes, typically around 10-15 kilometers above the Earth's surface, and exist in both hemispheres.

Statement 2 is correct: Not all cyclones develop an eye. Only certain strong cyclones, especially intense hurricanes or typhoons, develop a well-defined eye—a calm, low-pressure area at the center of the cyclone surrounded by the strongest winds.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The temperature in the eye can be several degrees Celsius warmer (typically 2–10°C) than the outer regions of the storm. This warmth is due to subsiding (sinking) air in the eye, which compresses and heats up adiabatically. Hence, option C is the correct answer.

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