Q. Consider the following statements:

1. The jet streams are high altitude Westerly winds between middle latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.
2. The Tibetan highlands act as a barrier in the path of jet streams.
3. The northern branch of the jet stream exercises an important influence on the winter weather in India.

Which of the above is / are correct?
Answer: Only 1 and 2
Notes: All of Western and Central Asia remains under the influence of westerly winds along the altitude of 9-13 km from west to east. These winds blow across the Asian continent at latitudes north of the Himalayas roughly parallel to the Tibetan highlands. These are known as jet streams. The Tibetan highlands act as a barrier in the path of these jet streams. As a result, jet streams get bifurcated. One of its branches blows to the north of the Tibetan highlands, while the southern branch blows in an eastward direction, south of the Himalayas. It has its mean position at 25°N in February at 200-300 mb level. It is believed that this southern branch of the jet stream exercises an important influence on the winter weather in India.

This question is part of UPSC Daily 20 MCQ Series Course on GKToday Android app.