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Correct Answer: Option (B) — Both A and R are true but R is NOT a correct explanation of A
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedAssertion (A) is true: At the surface, the steep pressure gradient draws air inward toward the intense central low pressure of a cyclone. The Coriolis force deflects this incoming air, causing it to spiral cyclonically (counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere).
Reason (R) is true: In the eye (center) of a mature cyclone, air gently descends (subsides), warming adiabatically and suppressing cloud formation, which creates calm, clear conditions.
However, Reason (R) is not the causal explanation of Assertion (A). The surface inward spiraling is caused by the balance between the pressure gradient force, friction, and the Coriolis force.
Understand the two distinct vertical flow regimes: air converges and spirals inwards at the surface/eyewall, but inside the eye itself, air subsides (descends). Both statements are true independently.
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