Consider the following statements: 1. Uneven distribution of heat on the earth surface is due to the Coriolis Effect. 2. Rain or snow that evaporates before reaching the earth surface while falling through the atmosphere is known as Virga. 3. A tropical cyclone in Northern Hemisphere is a wind speed with low pressure zone of anticlockwise rotation. 4. Water freezes on contact with cold ground is called Sleet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A1, 2 and 3
- B2 only
- C2 and 3 onlyCorrect
- DAll of the above
Solution
Concept
Meteorology and Atmospheric Phenomena Essentials
Formula
N/A
Step-by-step solution
1. Evaluate statement 1: Uneven heat distribution is driven by solar radiation rather than the Coriolis Effect, making this statement incorrect. 2. Evaluate statement 2: Virga is precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground, making this statement correct. 3. Evaluate statement 3: Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclones rotate anticlockwise around a low-pressure zone, making this statement correct. 4. Evaluate statement 4: Precipitation that freezes on contact with cold ground is freezing rain, not sleet, making this statement incorrect. 5. Select Option C (2 and 3 only) as the correct choice based on the valid statements.
Explanation
Option C (2 and 3 only) is correct because virga is precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground, and Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclones rotate counterclockwise around low-pressure areas. Statement 1 is incorrect because uneven heat distribution is caused by differential solar radiation, and Statement 4 is incorrect because water freezing on contact with cold ground is freezing rain, not sleet.
Shortcut
To easily evaluate statements like these, use the simple memory tricks below: - Heat vs. Coriolis: Solar radiation causes uneven heat; Coriolis only deflects moving air. - Virga: "V" for Vanishing precipitation before hitting the ground. - Northern Cyclone: North = Anti-clockwise rotation around low pressure. - Sleet vs. Freezing Rain: Freezing Rain freezes ON contact with cold surfaces; Sleet freezes IN the air before landing.
Common mistake
A common mistake is selecting option A or D by confusing the Coriolis Effect with differential solar radiation as the cause of heat distribution, or by confusing sleet with freezing rain. Sleet consists of ice pellets that freeze before hitting the ground, whereas water freezing on contact with cold ground is freezing rain. Another common mistake is selecting option B by failing to recall that tropical cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere rotate in an anticlockwise direction.
Correct answer: C) 2 and 3 only