Correct Option
The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Ladakh is a cold desert located in the Great Himalayas, on the eastern side of Jammu and Kashmir. Its climatic conditions are primarily governed by its high altitude and position in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The altitude in Ladakh varies significantly across the region, ranging from about 3,000 m in Kargil to more than 8,000 m in the Karakoram Range. This extreme variation in elevation contributes to its distinct cold desert climate.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: At these high altitudes, the air is extremely thin (rarefied), not dense. Due to the low density of air, it cannot trap heat effectively. However, the thin air allows the heat of the sun to be felt very intensely, causing sunburns even in freezing temperatures.
Key Takeaway: High-altitude regions like Ladakh are characterized by thin air (low atmospheric density), which results in low heat retention and extreme cold, contrary to the conditions found in low-altitude, dense-atmosphere regions.