Consider the following statements regarding planetary pressure belts and wind systems: Statement I: The subpolar low-pressure belts are thermally induced pressure systems created by intense surface heating in high latitudes. Statement II: The trade winds blow from the subtropical high-pressure belts towards the equatorial low-pressure trough, deflected by the Coriolis force. Which of the following is correct?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement I is incorrect because subpolar low-pressure belts are dynamically induced by the rotation of the Earth and the convergence of warm tropical and cold polar air masses, not by thermal heating. Statement II is correct because trade winds originate in the subtropical highs and blow equatorward while turning westward due to the Coriolis effect. Planetary wind circulations are fundamental for regulating global moisture transport and thermal balance.