Question

Given below are two statements : one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Areas near the Equator receive rainfall in a particular season only for few months.
Reason (R) : High temperatures and high humidity conditions causes the rain in afternoons.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below :

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

Remember that equatorial regions are characterized by a "no-season" climate.
Every day is warm and humid, and almost every day has an afternoon shower.
This continuous, year-round rainfall cycle is a defining feature of the tropical rainforest biome.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This question is an Assertion-Reason format from physical geography.
It tests our understanding of the equatorial climate, specifically the distribution of rainfall throughout the year and the physical mechanisms that cause it.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Analyze Assertion (A):
- The Assertion states: "Areas near the Equator receive rainfall in a particular season only for few months."
- In reality, the equatorial region (generally between $5^\circ \text{ to } 10^\circ$ North and South of the Equator) does not have a distinct dry season.
- Because the sun is high in the sky all year round, these areas experience continuous high temperatures, high evaporation, and consistent convective rainfall throughout the year.
- Therefore, the claim that rainfall is limited to a particular season of only a few months is scientifically incorrect. (Assertion A is False).

• Analyze Reason (R):
- The Reason states: "High temperatures and high humidity conditions causes the rain in afternoons."
- This accurately describes the convective precipitation process.
- Strong solar heating during the day causes air near the ground to warm and rise. As it ascends, the warm, highly humid air cools adiabatically, leading to condensation, cloud formation (usually cumulonimbus), and heavy convective downpours in the afternoon.
- Therefore, this physical explanation of convective rainfall is correct. (Reason R is True).

Step 3: Final Answer:
Since Assertion (A) is incorrect but Reason (R) is correct, the appropriate choice is option (D).