Correct Option (a):
Statement 1 is correct. The Southern Hemisphere is characterized by a significantly larger proportion of oceanic area compared to the Northern Hemisphere, which has extensive landmasses. Landmasses create frictional drag and thermal contrasts that disrupt atmospheric circulation patterns. The relatively uninterrupted expanse of oceans in the Southern Hemisphere allows the westerlies to blow with less obstruction and reduced friction. This results in stronger, more consistent, and persistent winds, often observed as the "Roaring Forties," "Furious Fifties," and "Shrieking Sixties."
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Coriolis force is a deflecting force that results from the Earth's rotation. Its magnitude depends on the latitude, the speed of the moving object, and the Earth's angular velocity. It is zero at the equator and maximum at the poles, increasing with latitude in both hemispheres. The Coriolis force does not inherently differ in strength between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same latitude. Therefore, the Coriolis force is not higher in the Southern Hemisphere compared to the Northern Hemisphere.
Incorrect Options:
Option (b) is incorrect because statement 2 is false.
Option (c) is incorrect because statement 2 is false.
Option (d) is incorrect because statement 1 is correct.