The correct option is 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Cold Snow Forest Climates (Group D in the Koeppen classification) are characterized by severe winters with the average temperature of the coldest month being below -3°C. These climates are distinct to large continental landmasses where thermal contrast is high.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Cold Snow Forest Climates occur in the large continental areas of the Northern Hemisphere roughly between 40° and 70° north latitudes. They cover extensive regions in Europe, Asia (Siberia), and North America.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: These climates are absent in the Southern Hemisphere. This is because the corresponding latitudes (40°-70° S) in the Southern Hemisphere are dominated by oceans, and there is no sufficiently large landmass to generate the necessary continental effect for severe winters.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Within this climatic group, the severity of winter is directly correlated with latitude. As one moves to higher latitudes (towards the subarctic regions), the duration and intensity of the cold season increase, leading to climates like the Taiga (Subarctic).
Key Takeaway: Group D climates are exclusively a Northern Hemisphere phenomenon due to the requirement of large continental landmasses at high latitudes, which are lacking in the Southern Hemisphere.