Consider the following statements:
1. Assertion (A): Areas near the equator receive rainfall throughout the year.
2. Reason (R): High temperatures and high humidity cause convectional rain in most afternoons near the equator.
In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
A
Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B
Both A and R are true but R is not a correct explanation of A
C
A is true but R is false
D
A is false but R is true
Correct Answer: Option A
Explanation
1. This is an Assertion-Reason question about rainfall near the equator.
2. Assertion (A): Areas near the equator generally experience high rainfall distributed throughout the year, characteristic of tropical rainforest climates. The assertion is true.
3. Reason (R): The equatorial region experiences consistently High temperatures and high humidity due to intense solar insolation. This leads to strong convection currents where warm, moist air rises, cools, condenses, and results in heavy convectional rain, often occurring in the afternoons. The reason is true.
4. Relationship: The mechanism described in the Reason (intense heating, humidity, leading to convectional rain) is the primary meteorological process responsible for the high, year-round rainfall patterns stated in the Assertion. Therefore, R is the correct explanation of A.