Topics / Geography
Climate Weather
Asked 17 times in UPSC Prelims · first asked 1995 · last asked 2025
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Consider the following statements: Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans. Statement II: In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
2025Geography
Consider the following statements: Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans. Statement II: In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Explanation
In January, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing landmasses due to the lower heat capacity of land compared to oceans, causing quicker temperature changes. The air over oceans being warmer than over land in the Northern Hemisphere during January is due to the ocean's ability to retain heat better than land, resulting in a temperature difference that explains the bending of isotherms.
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
2025Geography
Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of
Explanation
Silver iodide and potassium iodide are commonly used in cloud seeding, an artificial way of inducing rainfall. When these substances are dispersed into clouds, they can help to stimulate the formation of ice crystals, which can then grow into raindrops and fall to the ground. This process can help to reduce air pollution by washing out pollutants from the atmosphere.
Consider the following description: 1. Annual and daily range of temperatures is low. 2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year. 3. Precipitation varies between 50 cm - 250 cm. What is this type of climate?
2024Geography
Consider the following description: 1. Annual and daily range of temperatures is low. 2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year. 3. Precipitation varies between 50 cm - 250 cm. What is this type of climate?
Explanation
The description provided indicates a climate with low annual and daily temperature ranges, consistent precipitation throughout the year, and precipitation levels ranging from 50 cm to 250 cm. These characteristics are typical of a Marine West coast climate, which is characterized by mild temperatures, high humidity, and moderate to high precipitation levels throughout the year.
With reference to 'Coriolis force', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It increases with increase in wind velocity. 2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. Select the answer using the code given below:
2024Geography
With reference to 'Coriolis force', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It increases with increase in wind velocity. 2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. Select the answer using the code given below:
Explanation
Coriolis force is a result of the Earth's rotation and its effect on moving objects. It increases with the velocity of the object and is maximum at the poles, decreasing to zero at the equator due to the smaller rotational speed at the equator compared to the poles.
Consider the following statements: 1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth. 2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth's surface and thus cause warming effect. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2022Geography
Consider the following statements: 1. High clouds primarily reflect solar radiation and cool the surface of the Earth. 2. Low clouds have a high absorption of infrared radiation emanating from the Earth's surface and thus cause warming effect. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
High clouds are composed of ice crystals and primarily trap outgoing infrared radiation, leading to a warming effect on the Earth's surface. Low clouds, on the other hand, reflect incoming solar radiation and have a cooling effect. Therefore, both statements are incorrect as they inaccurately describe the roles of high and low clouds in the Earth's energy balance.
Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?
2015Geography
Which one of the following National Parks has a climate that varies from tropical to subtropical, temperate and arctic?
Explanation
Namdapha National Park, situated in Arunachal Pradesh, experiences a range of climates from tropical to subtropical, temperate, and arctic.
Which one of the following weather conditions is indicated by a sudden fall in barometer reading?
2011Geography
Which one of the following weather conditions is indicated by a sudden fall in barometer reading?
Explanation
A sudden drop in barometer reading indicates stormy weather conditions. This is because the atmospheric pressure fluctuates during storms, leading to a rapid decrease in the barometer reading.
La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? 1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. 2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
2011Geography
La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? 1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. 2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
La recent flooding in Australia is believed to have been caused by La Nina. The main difference between La Nina and El Nino is their effect on ocean temperatures. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the equatorial Indian Ocean, while El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Additionally, El Nino negatively impacts the southwest monsoon of India, whereas La Nina does not affect the monsoon climate. Therefore, the correct answer is option (d), as neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.
Assertion (A): Areas lying within five to eight degrees latitude on either side of the equator receive rainfall throughout the year. Reason (R): High temperatures and high humidity cause convectional rain to fall mostly in the afternoons near the equator.
2003Geography
Assertion (A): Areas lying within five to eight degrees latitude on either side of the equator receive rainfall throughout the year. Reason (R): High temperatures and high humidity cause convectional rain to fall mostly in the afternoons near the equator.
Explanation
In areas around the equator within five to eight degrees latitude, rainfall is a year-round phenomenon due to the combination of high temperatures and humidity causing convectional rain, which mainly occurs in the afternoons. This is because the strong heating from the sun leads to substantial upward movement of air, resulting in the highest rainfall amounts near the equator in the tropics.
Consider the following statements: 1. In equatorial regions, the year is divided into four main seasons 2. In Mediterranean region, summer months receives more rain. 3. In China type climate; rainfall occurs throughout the year 4. Tropical highlands exhibit vertical zonation of different climates Which of these statements are correct?
2002Geography
Consider the following statements: 1. In equatorial regions, the year is divided into four main seasons 2. In Mediterranean region, summer months receives more rain. 3. In China type climate; rainfall occurs throughout the year 4. Tropical highlands exhibit vertical zonation of different climates Which of these statements are correct?
Explanation
The statement that equatorial regions have four main seasons is incorrect. Equatorial regions actually have only two seasons. Additionally, the statement that the Mediterranean region receives more rain during the summer months is also incorrect.
For short-term climatic predictions, which one of the following events, detected in the last decade, is associated with occasional weak monsoon rains in the Indian sub-continent?
2002Geography
For short-term climatic predictions, which one of the following events, detected in the last decade, is associated with occasional weak monsoon rains in the Indian sub-continent?
Explanation
El Nino and La Nina are two different phases within the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle, which influences occasional weak monsoon rains in the Indian sub-continent.
Consider the following statements about the 'Roaring Forties': 1. They blow uninterrupted in the northern and Southern Hemispheres 2. They blow with great strength and constancy 3. Their direction is generally from north-west to east in the Southern Hemisphere 4. Overcast skies, rain and raw weather are generally associated with them Which of these statements are correct?
2000Geography
Consider the following statements about the 'Roaring Forties': 1. They blow uninterrupted in the northern and Southern Hemispheres 2. They blow with great strength and constancy 3. Their direction is generally from north-west to east in the Southern Hemisphere 4. Overcast skies, rain and raw weather are generally associated with them Which of these statements are correct?
Explanation
In the southern hemisphere, the westerlies known as the 'Roaring Forties' blow consistently between 40°S to 50°S. These winds are strong and steady, typically blowing from the northwest to the east. The Roaring Forties are associated with overcast skies, rain, and rough weather.
Consider the following temperature and rainfall data. The climate to which this data pertains is:
1999Geography
Consider the following temperature and rainfall data. The climate to which this data pertains is:
Explanation
The provided temperature and rainfall data correspond to the climate characteristic of West European type.
Daily weather map showing isobars is an example of:
1997Geography
Daily weather map showing isobars is an example of:
Explanation
A daily weather map displaying isobars is an illustration of an isopleth map. Isopleth maps represent a theoretical surface using lines that connect locations with the same values.
Consider the map given below showing World climate types. Of the four shaded areas in the map, which is characterised by hot dry summers, mild and moist winters and seasonal reversal of winds.
1997Geography
Consider the map given below showing World climate types. Of the four shaded areas in the map, which is characterised by hot dry summers, mild and moist winters and seasonal reversal of winds.
Explanation
This map displays different climate types around the world. Area '1' on the map is known for its hot and dry summers, along with mild and moist winters, and a seasonal change in wind direction. This area corresponds to California, USA.
Assertion (A): Areas near the equator receive rainfall throughout the year. Reason (R): High temperatures and high humidity cause convectional rain in most afternoons near the equator. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
1996Geography
Assertion (A): Areas near the equator receive rainfall throughout the year. Reason (R): High temperatures and high humidity cause convectional rain in most afternoons near the equator. In the context of the above two statements, which one of the following is correct?
Explanation
In areas near the equator, rainfall occurs throughout the year due to high temperatures and humidity causing convectional rain in most afternoons. The assertion that areas near the equator receive rainfall throughout the year is true, and the reason for this is that high temperatures cause the atmospheric air to heat up and rise. As the air cools down, it precipitates while the cooler air descends back down. This phenomenon explains why rainfall is a common occurrence near the equator.
The graph given below shows the mean average monthly temperatures (in ºC) and mean monthly rainfall (in cms) of a place. This graph is indicative of which one of the climatic zones of the world?
1995Geography
The graph given below shows the mean average monthly temperatures (in ºC) and mean monthly rainfall (in cms) of a place. This graph is indicative of which one of the climatic zones of the world?
Explanation
The provided graph displays the average monthly temperatures and rainfall for a specific location. The temperature on the graph falls between 15°C and 25°C. Based on this temperature range and the rainfall not exceeding 25 cm, the graph represents the wet and dry tropical climatic zone.