Multiple Choice Questions

With reference to the Polar Vortex consider the following statements It is a large area of low press...........

Geography and Environment (CSC) World climates

With reference to the Polar Vortex, consider the following statements

It is a large area of low-pressure and cold air that rotates around the Earth’s polar regions.
It exists year-round, but it weakens in summer and strengthens in winter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 only

2 only

Both

None

Both statements are correct.

Polar Vortex

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air that rotates around the Earth’s polar regions.
The term "vortex" describes the counter-clockwise flow of air that confines colder air near the poles.
Polar Vortex exists year-round, but it weakens in summer and strengthens in winter.

Types:

Tropospheric Polar Vortex: Located at the lowest layer of the atmosphere, from the surface up to 10-15 km, where most weather phenomena occur.
Stratospheric Polar Vortex: Occurs higher up, between 15 km to 50 km, and is strongest during autumn, disappearing in the summer.
Its changes are influenced by air movement and heat transfer in the polar region. During autumn, circumpolar winds accelerate, strengthening the vortex and forming a unified, rotating mass of polar air in the stratosphere.

Hence option 3rd is correct.