Consider the following statements: Statement I: The amount of dust particles in the atmosphere is more in subtropical and temperate areas than in equatorial and polar regions. Statement II: Subtropical and temperate areas have less dry winds. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Statement I: Correct. Dust/aerosol load is generally higher in subtropical and temperate regions because many major deserts and dry continental interiors lie there, and stronger surface winds can lift more dust; equatorial regions are wetter and polar regions are ice-covered with limited loose dust.

Statement II: Incorrect. Subtropical and temperate areas do not have less dry winds; in fact, many subtropical belts are marked by dry descending air and arid conditions, which favor dust generation.

Answer: Since Statement I is correct but Statement II is not, the correct option is (c).