Consider the following statements : 1. Rainfall in the doldrums is of convectional nature. 2. Convectional rainfall is highly localized and is associated with minimum cloudiness. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Statement 1 is correct as the doldrums, or the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), are characterized by intense solar heating that causes air to rise through convection, leading to heavy precipitation and thunderstorms [t2][t3][t4]. This convective activity is a primary feature of the equatorial low-pressure belt [t7]. Statement 2 is incorrect because while convectional rainfall can be localized, it is associated with maximum rather than minimum cloudiness. The process involves warm, moist air rising, cooling, and condensing to form massive cumulonimbus clouds [t4][t7]. The ITCZ is specifically described as a 'band of clouds' with deep convective activity reaching high altitudes [t6][t7]. Therefore, the region is marked by high cloud cover and frequent, intense downpours rather than clear skies.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/intertropical-convergent-zone