Consider the following statements:
Statement I: We don't experience strong upward winds as we do horizontal winds.
Statement II: Vertical pressure gradient force is balanced by gravitational force.

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
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is not correct
(d) Statement-I is not correct, but Statement-II is correct

Question

Consider the following statements:
Statement I: We don't experience strong upward winds as we do horizontal winds.
Statement II: Vertical pressure gradient force is balanced by gravitational force.

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
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is not correct
(d) Statement-I is not correct, but Statement-II is correct

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

Statement I is correct. While air does move vertically, strong upward winds are less common than horizontal winds. This is because gravity acts as a counterbalance to the vertical pressure gradient force, limiting the strength of upward winds.

Statement II is correct. The vertical pressure gradient force (the force that causes air to rise due to pressure differences) is generally balanced by the force of gravity. This balance prevents significant sustained upward acceleration of air, limiting the strength of upward winds.
Gravity counteracts the upward force of pressure differences. This prevents air from being pushed strongly upwards, resulting in weaker upward winds compared to horizontal winds where gravity's influence is less direct.

Atmospheric Science

Vertical Winds and Pressure Gradient

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following statements: Statement I: We don't experience strong upward winds as we do horizontal winds. Statement II: Vertical pressure gradient force is balanced by gravitational force. 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 (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is not correct (d) Statement-I is not correct, but Statement-II is correct