Anticyclonic conditions in winter — UPSC Prelims PYQ 2001

Consider the following statements:

1. Assertion (A): Anti-cyclonic conditions are formed in winter season when atmospheric pressure is high and air temperatures are low.
2. Reason (R): Winter rainfall in Northern India causes development of anticyclonic conditions with low temperatures.

Options:

1. Both A and R are individually true, and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are individually true, but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
3. A is true, but R is false
4. A is false, but R is true

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Assertion (A) is correct because anticyclonic conditions generally develop during the winter season when low temperatures cause the air to become dense and heavy, leading to high atmospheric pressure. Such conditions are associated with stable weather and descending air. Reason (R) is incorrect because winter rainfall in Northern India is mainly caused by Western Disturbances, which are cyclonic systems rather than anticyclonic conditions. Anticyclones are usually associated with dry and stable weather, not rainfall.

Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false