With reference to air movement between pressure areas, which of the following statements are correct?

Concept overview / definition Air moves because of pressure differences between neighbouring regions. In both the lower and upper atmosphere, the pressure gradient force pushes air from zones where the air column is heavier toward zones where it is lighter. This basic rule operates at the surface and aloft, although in the upper air balancing patterns of high and low pressure can make the flow appear more complex.

Why the correct option is correct Statement 1 is correct because at the surface winds originate where pressure is relatively high and blow toward regions of relatively low pressure, as described when explaining low and high pressure areas. Statement 2 is also correct, since in the upper air the same physical law applies; air still adjusts imbalances between high and low pressure, even though compensating highs and lows are induced to balance a low-pressure region. The teacher emphasises that saying air moves from high pressure to low pressure remains correct for the upper atmosphere as well.

Why the other options are incorrect Statement 3 is incorrect because it reverses the true direction of the pressure gradient force in the lower atmosphere. Air does not flow from low pressure toward high pressure at the surface; such a statement contradicts the explanation that high-pressure and low-pressure areas are dynamically connected by winds that relieve pressure differences. Therefore options that include Statement 3 as correct cannot be chosen if one follows the conceptual discussion in the transcript.

UPSC exam tip / common confusion In many questions, candidates get confused between the basic pressure-gradient rule and the modifying effects of rotation or friction. A safe approach is to first decide which region has higher pressure and which has lower pressure, then state that the primary flow is from higher toward lower pressure. Only after that should you think about turning or deflection. This sequence helps you avoid options that casually claim a surface flow from low to high pressure, which is almost always wrong in exam contexts.