Question

Your uncle was puzzled because his flight from Delhi to London was more than `9 1/2` hours long but his return from London was about `8 1/2` h hours. As a student of geography how would you explain this to him?

Options

• The pressure gradient supported the return flight.

• Flying along a jet stream reduces flight time.

• The Coriolis Force deflects air reducing flight time.

• None of the above.

Answer 1

Flying along a jet stream reduces flight time.

Explanation:

Jet streams are high-altitude, fast-moving air currents. When flights travel in the same direction as the jet stream, they get a tailwind boost, which reduces flight time. On the return leg, flying against the jet stream increases flight time. This explains the shorter London-to-Delhi flight compared to Delhi-to-London.