Answer: (C)

Explanation: Circulations from the surface upwards and vice-versa are called cells. Such a cell in the tropics is called Hadley Cell. In the middle latitudes the circulation is that of sinking cold air that comes from the poles and the rising warm air that blows from the subtropical high. At the surface these winds are called westerlies and the cell is known as the Ferrel cell. At polar latitudes the cold dense air subsides near the poles and blows towards middle latitudes as the polar easterlies. This cell is called the polar cell. These three cells set the pattern for the general circulation of the atmosphere. The transfer of heat energy from lower latitudes to higher latitudes maintains the general circulation. Hence, all pairs are correctly matched.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: They are aligned in north-east to south-west direction. They run between Delhi and Palanpur in Gujarat. They are one of the oldest fold mountains of the world and the oldest in India. According to some geographers, one Branch of the Aravalis extends to the Lakshadweep Archipelago through the Gulf of Khambhat and the other into Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Three major rivers and their tributaries flow from the Aravalli, namely Banas and Sahibi rivers which are tributaries of Yamuna, as well as Luni River which flows into the Rann of Kutch. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: The ITCZ is a zone of convergence at the thermal equator where the trade winds meet and it is a zone where air tends to ascend. It is a low-pressure belt and migrates with the changing position of the thermal equator. The movement of the thermal equator shifts the belts of planetary winds and pressure systems to the north and to the south annually. Hence, both statements are correct.

Answer: (C)

Explanation: Normally, temperature decreases with increase in elevation. It is called normal lapse rate. At times, the situations are reversed and the normal lapse rate is inverted. It is called Inversion of temperature. Inversion is usually of short duration but quite common nonetheless. A long winter night with clear skies and still air is ideal situation for inversion. The heat of the day is radiated off during the night, and by early morning hours, the earth is cooler than the air above. Hence, both statements are correct.

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Quartz is one of the most important components of sand and granite. It consists of silica. It is a hard mineral virtually insoluble in water. It is white or colourless and used in radio and radar. It is one of the most important components of granite. Hence, option (b) is correct.