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UPSC – CSE Prelims 2024

EASY

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

1. With reference to “water vapour”, which of the following statements is/are correct?

It is a gas, the amount of which decreases with altitude.
Its percentage is maximum at the poles.

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) l only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (a)

Day 8: Prelims 2024 Geography Atmosphere

Consider the following statement

The amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere increases with altitude
The amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere increases from the equator towards the poles.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) l only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (d)

The amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere decreases with altitude.

The amount of water vapour present in the atmosphere decreases from the equator towards the poles.

Source: Fundamentals of Physical Geography (NCERT- Class XI) Chp 8

EASY

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

2. Consider the following description :

Annual and daily range of temperatures is low.
Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
Precipitation varies between 50cm – 250 cm

What is this type of climate?

(a) Equatorial climate

(b) China type climate

(d) Marine West coast climate

Ans. (d)

Equatorial climate precipitation is 150 cm to 1000 cm.

Marine West Coast climate precipitation is 50 cm to 250 cm

PRELIMS 2024 GS Paper I Comprehensive Test 1

Which one of the following is relevant to Koeppen’s ” A ” type of climate?

(a) High rainfall in all the months

(b) Mean monthly temperature of the coldest month more than freezing point

(d) Average temperature for all the months below 10° C

Ans. (c)

Koeppen climate classification scheme

It divides climates into five main climate groups: A (tropical), B (arid), C (temperate), D (continental), and E (polar).
The second letter indicates the seasonal precipitation type, while the third letter indicates the level of heat.

Group A: Tropical climates

This type of climate has an average temperature of 18 °C or higher every month of the year, with significant precipitation.

Source: NCERT XI Fundamentals of Physical Geography Chp. 12, pg. 103.

EASY

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

3. With reference to “Coriolis force”, which of the following statements is/are correct ?

It increases with increase in wind velocity.
It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) l only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (c)

Test 1: Geography PRELIMS 2024

Read the following assertion and reason and then select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Assertion: No cyclones form over the equator.

Reason: The Coriolis force is zero at the equator.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

(a) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.

(b) Both assertion and reason are correct and reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.

(d) Both Assertion and reason are incorrect.

Ans. (a)

Test 1: Geography PRELIMS 2024

Consider the following statements about winds near the Earth’s surface “

1. Frictional drag reduces the wind speed.

2. A reduced wind speed in turn reduces the coriolis effect.

3. Frictional drag does not affect the pressure gradient.

Which of the statements given above is / are correct ?

(a) 1 Only

(b) 1 and 2 Only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans. (d)

Friction reduces wind speed, which in turn reduces the deflection caused by the coriolis force.

EASY

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

4. On June 21 every year, which of the following latitude(s) experience(s) a sunlight of more than 12 hours ?

Equator
Tropic of Cancer
Tropic of Capricorn
Arctic Circle

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 2 and 4

Ans. (d)

NCERT Test Geography Class VI : Chp – 3 (Motions of the Earth)

With reference to solstice, consider the following statements:

1. In Winter Solstice, on 22nd December the sun’s rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Cancer.

2. In Summer Solstice, on 21st June the sun’s rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Capricorn.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (d)

Solstice refers to a day with either the longest or the shortest. The two solstice in a year are Winter solstice on December 22 and Summer solstice on June 21.

In Winter Solstice, on 22nd December the sun’s rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Capricorn.

In Summer Solstice, on 21st June the sun’s rays fall vertically at the Tropic of Cancer.

EASY

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

5. Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation.

Statement-II: Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long wave radiation.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Ans. (d)

Day 10: Prelims 2024 Climate

Consider the following statements about greenhouse effect:

1. The atmosphere transmits the incoming solar radiation but do not absorb the vast majority of long wave radiation emitted upwards by the earth’s surface.

2. The gases that absorb long wave radiation are called greenhouse gases.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (b)

The atmosphere transmits the incoming solar radiation but absorbs the vast majority of long wave radiation emitted upwards by the earth’s surface.

The insolation received by the earth is in short waves forms and heats up its surface. The earth after being heated itself becomes a radiating body and it radiates energy to the atmosphere in long wave form. This energy heats up the atmosphere from below. This process is known as terrestrial radiation.

Source: NCERT Fundamentals of Physical Geography (NCERT- Class XI) Chp 9 Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature

EASY

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

6. Consider the following statements :

Statement-I : Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to poles.

Statement-II: At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements ?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Ans. (a)

NCERT Test Geography Class XI : Chp – 8 (Composition and Structure of Atmosphere)

Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Troposphere?

1. The thickness of the troposphere is less over the poles as compared to the equator.

2. The Tropopause does not allow the moisture to leave the Troposphere because of temperature inversion.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (c)

The troposphere is thicker at the equator than at the poles because the equator is warmer.
The convection currents of air expand the thickness of the troposphere (atmosphere) at poles.
Thus the simple reason is thermal expansion of the atmosphere at the equator and thermal contraction near the poles.
Also, the rotation of the earth causes centrifugal force which is strongest near the equator and pushes the atmosphere to greater heights.
The thickness of the troposphere also varies with season.
The troposphere is thicker in the summer and thinner in the winter all around the planet.
At the poles in winter, the atmosphere is uniformly very cold and the troposphere cannot be distinguished from other layers.

Source: NCERT Fundamentals of Physical Geography (NCERT- Class XI) Chp 8

NCERT Test Geography Class XI : Chp – 8 (Composition and Structure of Atmosphere)

Why is the thickness of the troposphere greatest at the equator?

(a) Heat is transported to great heights by strong convection currents.

(b) High concentration of water vapour and dust particles at equator

(d) Lesser concentration of oxygen at the poles

Ans. (a)

Source: NCERT Fundamentals of Physical Geography (NCERT- Class XI) Chp 8

EASY

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

7. Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January ?

The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.
The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.

Select the answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans. (a)

The presence of warm ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.

Day 8: Prelims 2024 Geography Atmosphere

The isotherms are more or less parallel to the latitudes in the southern hemisphere when compared to the variations in the northern hemisphere. This is essentially due to:

(a) Presence of large water bodies in the southern hemisphere

(b) Alternate presence of land and water bodies in the southern hemisphere.

(d) Temperature inversion is more pronounced in the southern hemisphere.

Ans. (a)

In the Northern Hemisphere, the presence of land and ocean causes a variation in temperature while in the Southern Hemisphere there is only water. Thus, temperature variation is less and isotherms are almost straight in the Southern Hemisphere.

Example: In January the isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.

This can be seen on the North Atlantic Ocean.

The presence of warm ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic drift, make the Northern Atlantic Ocean warmer and the isotherms bend towards the north.

Source: NCERT Fundamentals of Physical Geography (NCERT- Class XI) Chp 9 Solar Radiation, Heat Balance and Temperature

UPSC – CSE Prelims 2023

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

1. With reference to the Earth’s atmosphere, which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) The total amount of insolation received at the equator is roughly about 10 times that received at the poles.

(b) Infrared rays constitute roughly two-thirds of insolation.

(d) Infrared waves are a part of the lower visible spectrum of electromagnetic waves of solar radiation.

Answer : B

Infrared waves, or infrared light, are part of the electromagnetic spectrum. People encounter Infrared waves every day; the human eye cannot see it, but humans can detect it as heat. Hence option d is not correct.

When the solar radiation passes through the atmosphere, water vapour, ozone and other gases absorb much of the near infrared radiation.

Infrared makes up 49.4%, visible 42.3% and ultraviolet 8% of the total solar radiation. Hence option B is incorrect.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

2. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.

Statement-II : The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

Statement-I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter: This statement is correct. During summer, land surfaces heat up more quickly than oceans due to differences in their heat capacities. This leads to warmer temperatures over land, creating a greater temperature contrast between continents and oceans.

Statement-II: The specific heat of water is more than that of the land surface: This statement is correct. Water has a higher specific heat capacity compared to land. Specific heat is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount. Due to water’s higher specific heat capacity, it can absorb and store more heat energy compared to land. As a result, water takes longer to heat up and cool down compared to land, contributing to the temperature contrast between continents and oceans.

Statement-II provides the correct explanation for Statement-I. The higher specific heat capacity of water is the reason why land surfaces heat up more quickly in summer, leading to a greater temperature contrast between continents and oceans.

UPSC – CSE Prelims 2022

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

1. In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the:

(a) First half of the month of June

(b) Second half of the month of June

(d) Second half of the month of July

Ans. B

Summer solstice

The longest day of 2021 for those living north of the Equator is June 21. Hence, In the northern hemisphere, the longest day of the year normally occurs in the Second half of the month of June.
In technical terms, this day is referred to as the summer solstice, the longest day of the summer season.
It occurs when the sun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer, or more specifically right over 23.5 degrees north latitude.
During the solstice, the Earth’s axis around which the planet spins, completing one turn each day is tilted in a way that the North Pole is tipped towards the sun and the South Pole is away from it.
This day is characterised by a greater amount of energy received from the sun.
According to NASA, the amount of incoming energy the Earth received from the sun on this day is 30 per cent higher at the North Pole than at the Equator.
The maximum amount of sunlight received by the Northern Hemisphere during this time is usually on June 20, 21 or 22.
In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere receives most sunlight on December 21, 22 or 23 when the northern hemisphere has its longest nights or the winter solstice.

UPSC – CSE Prelims 2021

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

1. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements

1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.

2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.

3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.

Which of the statements given above are correct? (UPSC CSE 2021)

(A) 1 and 2 only

(B) 2 and 3 only

(C) 1 and 3 only

(D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Statement 1 is correct. The Climate-Smart Village project in India is a program of CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS). The CCAFS started piloting the Climate-Smart Village in 2012 in Africa (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda) and South Asia (Bangladesh, India, and Nepal).

Statement 2 is correct. Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCFAS) is carried out under CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research). Headquarter of CGIAR is in Montpellier, France. CGIAR is a global partnership that unites international organizations engaged in research about food security.

Statement 3 is correct. International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) is a CGIAR Research Center. ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political public international research organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

2. Consider the following statements:

In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans arc western than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds.
In the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2021)

(A) 1 only

(B) 2 only

(C) Both 1 and 2

(D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. Warmer water is transported westward in the ocean by the Northeast trade winds in the Northern hemisphere of the tropical zone (as the figure given below shows). So, in tropical zones, the western section of ocean is warmer than eastern sections due to trade winds.

Statement 2 is correct. Similarly, the Westerlies play an important role in carrying the warm, equatorial waters and winds to the western coasts of continents (that is eastern section of the Oceans in temperate zone). Thus, in temperate zones, westerlies make the eastern section of the ocean warmer than the western sections.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY – CLIMATOLOGY

3. Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop? (UPSC CSE 2021)

(A) Sugarcane

(B) Sunflower

(C) Pearl millet

(D) Red gram

Answer: A

Sugarcane:

In terms of production, Sugarcane is the world’s largest crop.
Sugarcane belongs to Poaceae family of true grasses.
In India, Sugarcane is grown as a Kharif Crop.
It needs hot and humid climate with an average temperature of 21°C to 27°C. 75-150 cm rainfall is favorable for sugar cane cultivation.
Irrigation needed for areas with lesser rainfall.
Sugarcane can grow in any soil which can retain moisture.
Ideal soil for sugarcane is deep rich loamy soil.
The soil needs to be rich in nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus but neither it should be neither too acidic nor too alkaline.
Crop water needed: 1500-2500 (mm/total growing period) and drought sensitivity is very High. Hence, sugarcane is the correct answer.