Consider the following statements :

Statement I : The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions.

Statement II : Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

(b) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

(d) Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

The correct answer is (c) Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct.

Explanation

Statement I: Correct. The amount of dust in the atmosphere is highest in subtropical and temperate regions.
- Subtropical regions (around 20°- 35° latitude) contain the world’s great hot deserts (like the Sahara, Atacama, and Kalahari). These deserts are the primary source of airborne mineral dust.
- Equatorial regions have high rainfall and dense vegetation cover, which washes dust out of the air and prevents it from being lifted from the ground.
- Polar regions are covered in ice and snow, which also prevents dust from becoming airborne.
Statement II: Not Correct. This statement is factually incorrect. The subtropical regions are dominated by high-pressure belts, which create stable, sinking air. This process prevents cloud formation and rainfall, leading to very dry winds and arid conditions (deserts). It is precisely these dry conditions that allow dust to be lifted into the atmosphere. The statement claims they have “less dry winds,” which is the opposite of the truth.