Which of the following is / are correct statements about Anti-Cyclone?The anticyclone is a mass of relatively high pressureDuring anti-cyclonic condition there is very low possibility of precipitationThe major anti-cyclonic belts are present in sub-tropics Select the correct option from the codes given below:

• A. 1, 2 & 3
• B. Only 1 & 3
• C. Only 1 & 2
• D. Only 2 & 3

Answer: (A)

Anticyclones are generally associated with dry & calm weather. An anti-cyclone is a large atmospheric circulation system with the wind flowing clockwise around it in the Northern Hemisphere, and counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Anticyclones form from air masses cooling more than their surroundings, which causes the air to contract slightly making the air denser. Since dense air weighs more, the weight of the atmosphere overlying a location increases, causing increased surface air pressure. The air mass cooling that results in an anticyclone forming can be caused by either conduction as the air flows over a relatively cool ocean surface, or through the loss of infrared radiation over land during the fall, winter, or spring when little sunlight is available to warm the air mass.