Climatology : Circulation

Q 3 / 5

UPSC CSE Prelims 2006

Consider the following statements:

  1. Length of a terrestrial mile is lesser than that of a nautical mile.
  2. Harmattan is a dusty land-wind of the East African Coast.
  3. Greece and Albania form a part of the Iberian Peninsula.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

EXPLANATION

Correct Option (d)

Statement 1 is correct.

  • A terrestrial mile, also known as a statute mile, is defined as 1,609.344 meters.
  • A nautical mile is defined as 1,852 meters.
  • Consequently, the length of a terrestrial mile is lesser than that of a nautical mile. Nautical miles are primarily used in maritime and air navigation, and their definition is historically linked to one minute of latitude on Earth's surface.

Incorrect Options

Statement 2 is incorrect.

  • The Harmattan is a dry, dusty trade wind that originates from the Sahara Desert and blows across West Africa into the Gulf of Guinea.
  • It is characterized by low humidity and often carries dust, creating a hazy atmosphere. It is not associated with the East African Coast.

Statement 3 is incorrect.

  • The Iberian Peninsula is located in southwestern Europe and primarily includes Spain, Portugal, Andorra, and Gibraltar.
  • Greece and Albania are geographically situated in the Balkan Peninsula, which is located in Southeast Europe. They do not form a part of the Iberian Peninsula.

Based on the analysis, only statement 1 is factually correct.

SOURCECertificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong, Chapter 10: Planetary Winds and Pressure Belts