Correct option is A
The correct answer is (a) Both the statements are correct and statement 2 is the correct explanation of statement 1.
Hadley cells are key to understanding the wind patterns of Earth: This statement is correct. Hadley cells are large-scale atmospheric convection cells that play a critical role in the Earth’s climate system. They are fundamental in shaping global wind patterns, particularly the trade winds, subtropical jet streams, and the formation of deserts at around 30 degrees latitude north and south.
Hadley cells are formed because the Equator is heated more strongly by the Sun than other places, creating thermal circulations: This statement is also correct and serves as the correct explanation for the first statement. The intense heating at the Equator causes warm air to rise, creating a low-pressure zone. This air then moves poleward at high altitudes, cools down, and descends in the subtropics, forming a circulation pattern that influences global wind patterns. This circulation, known as the Hadley cell, is driven by differential heating between the Equator and the subtropics.
Information Booster:
Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell, and Polar Cell:
Hadley Cell: Air rises at the equator and sinks at around 30° latitude. This circulation drives the Trade Winds and the formation of the Subtropical Highs.
Ferrel Cell: Located between 30° and 60° latitude. Air in this region moves in the opposite direction of the Hadley and Polar Cells, driving the Westerlies.
Polar Cell: Air rises at 60° latitude and sinks at the poles, driving the Polar Easterlies.