Consider the following statements:

1. Assertion (A): Areas near the equator receive rainfall throughout the year.
2. Reason (R): High temperatures and high humidity cause convectional rain in most afternoons near the equator.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
2. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
3. A is true but R is false
4. A is false but R is true

Explanation

Option (a) is correct

• Equatorial regions experience rainfall in all months of the year because precipitation is abundant, evenly spread, and there is generally no dry month in the wet equatorial climate. The intense solar heating, coupled with high humidity and strong daytime evaporation, generates powerful convectional updrafts.
• These lead to the formation of towering cumulonimbus clouds and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, resulting in regular daily showers. Standard geography texts further explain that this pattern of daily convectional rainfall ensures an even distribution of precipitation across the equatorial belt, leading to consistently high annual rainfall and the absence of a distinct dry season.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A