Why are polar easterlies cold and relatively dry?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: They originate from cold, dense air in polar high-pressure areas.
At the poles, weak solar heating keeps the surface and lower atmosphere very cold. Cold air is dense and tends to sink, helping maintain polar high pressure. Because cold air holds little water vapour and polar evaporation is limited, the air is generally dry. It flows outward toward lower-pressure subpolar regions and is deflected into easterly winds by Earth’s rotation, forming the polar easterlies.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
They originate from cold, dense air in polar high-pressure areas.
Why is this the correct answer?
At the poles, weak solar heating keeps the surface and lower atmosphere very cold. Cold air is dense and tends to sink, helping maintain polar high pressure. Because cold air holds little water vapour and polar evaporation is limited, the air is generally dry. It flows outward toward lower-pressure subpolar regions and is deflected into easterly winds by Earth’s rotation, forming the polar easterlies.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 12 Geography question. Chapter: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems.
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