Atmospheric Circulation

The westerlies in the southern hemisphere are indeed stronger and more persistent than in the northern hemisphere. This is primarily due to the fact that the southern hemisphere has less landmass compared to the northern hemisphere. The vast expanses of open ocean in the southern hemisphere allow the westerlies to maintain their strength and persistence without being interrupted by landmasses. On the other hand, the Coriolis force, which is a result of Earth's rotation, is not stronger in the southern hemisphere compared to the northern hemisphere. The strength of the Coriolis force is not determined by the hemisphere, but by the latitude. The Coriolis force is strongest at the poles and weakest at the equator. Therefore, only Statement 1 is true.

**Statement 1 is Incorrect:** The westerlies blow between 30° and 60° latitudes in both hemispheres, not between 30° N and 60° S. So, the latitudinal extent mentioned is wrong; it should be 30°–60° N and 30°–60° S. **Statement 2 is Correct:** The western disturbances that bring winter rainfall to north-western India originate over the Mediterranean region and are carried by the westerlies. Hence, these moist air masses are indeed part of the westerly wind system. 

**Statement 1 is correct.** The trade winds in the tropical zone blow from east to west, causing the western sections of the oceans to be warmer than the eastern sections. This is because these winds push the warm surface waters towards the west. **Statement 2 is correct.** On the other hand, in the temperate zone, the westerlies blow from west to east. These winds push the warm waters towards the eastern sections of the oceans, making them warmer than the western sections. Therefore, both statements are correct.