Monsoon

1. The retreating monsoons occur during the months of

The retreating monsoons occur during the months of

January - February
March - April
June - July
October - November
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2011
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The retreating monsoons occur during the months of October – November.
The retreating monsoon season in India follows the peak of the Southwest monsoon (June-September). As the low-pressure trough over the North Indian plains weakens and shifts southwards, the monsoonal winds retreat from the subcontinent.
This period is also associated with clear skies and anticyclonic conditions over large parts of India. However, the retreating monsoon picks up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and causes significant rainfall in some parts of the country, particularly the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala (often referred to as the Northeast Monsoon in these areas).

2. The duration of monsoon in India extends for an average period of

The duration of monsoon in India extends for an average period of

80 - 140 days
100 - 120 days
90 - 130 days
100 - 140 days
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UPSC NDA-2 – 2020
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The duration of the monsoon season in India typically spans from early June to mid-September or October. This period translates to approximately 3.5 to 4.5 months. Converting this to days, it falls within the range of 100 to 140 days, depending on the region and year-to-year variation. Option D, 100 – 140 days, best represents this average duration.
The Indian monsoon is a seasonal wind system that brings heavy rainfall across much of the country. Its arrival and withdrawal dates vary, leading to an average duration of several months.
The actual duration can vary regionally; for example, the monsoon might arrive in Kerala around June 1st and withdraw from northwest India by late September or early October. The retreat of the monsoon also marks the beginning of the post-monsoon or retreating monsoon season in some parts of India.

3. In India, maximum amount of rainfall is received from

In India, maximum amount of rainfall is received from

Western Disturbances
North-east Monsoon
South-west Monsoon
Retreating Monsoon
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UPSC NDA-2 – 2017
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The maximum amount of rainfall in India is received from the South-west Monsoon. This monsoon season, from June to September, accounts for the vast majority of precipitation across the country.
The South-west Monsoon is the primary source of rainfall in India, covering most parts of the country and contributing to about 75% of the total annual rainfall.
– The Western Disturbances cause winter rainfall in Northern India.
– The North-east Monsoon brings rainfall mainly to the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh during the post-monsoon season (October-December).
– The Retreating Monsoon is a transitional phase that also contributes some rainfall to southern states. However, their contribution is significantly less compared to the South-west Monsoon.

4. Which of the following are correct with regard to Indian Monsoonal Rai

Which of the following are correct with regard to Indian Monsoonal Rainfall ?

  • 1. Largely governed by the topographical features
  • 2. Regional and seasonal variation in the distribution of rainfall
  • 3. Heavy downpour resulting in considerable runoff
  • 4. Beginning and end of rain is regular and on time
1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
3 and 4 only
2, 3 and 4
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UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
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Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct regarding Indian Monsoonal Rainfall. Statement 4 is incorrect. Therefore, the correct option is B (1, 2 and 3).
1. Largely governed by topographical features: The Himalayas act as a barrier to the monsoon winds, causing rainfall in the plains, while the Western Ghats cause heavy orographic rainfall on the windward side.
2. Regional and seasonal variation: Rainfall distribution varies significantly across India (e.g., high rainfall in the North-East and Western Ghats, low rainfall in Rajasthan) and is concentrated in the monsoon season (June to September).
3. Heavy downpour resulting in considerable runoff: Monsoon rainfall is often intense, leading to high runoff, river flooding, and soil erosion.
4. Beginning and end of rain is regular and on time: The Indian monsoon is known for its variability in terms of onset, withdrawal, and intensity each year. While there is a typical timeline, variations are common and have significant impacts, especially on agriculture. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
The variability of the monsoon is a key challenge for Indian agriculture and water management. The monsoon is influenced by various factors, including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).

5. Which of the following statements about breaks in the South-West Monso

Which of the following statements about breaks in the South-West Monsoon is/are correct?

  • 1. In Northern India, rains are likely to fail if the rain-bearing storms are not very frequent along the monsoon trough.
  • 2. In the West Coast, the dry spells occur when winds blow parallel to the coast.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2023
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Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct regarding breaks in the South-West Monsoon.
– Statement 1: Breaks in the monsoon in Northern India occur when the monsoon trough shifts towards the foothills of the Himalayas or is less active. This results in a decrease or cessation of rainfall over the plains, as the rain-bearing storms are no longer frequent along the typical position of the trough.
– Statement 2: On the West Coast, heavy rainfall is caused by the moist monsoon winds striking the Western Ghats. If the winds blow parallel to the coast, instead of perpendicular to the Western Ghats, the orographic lifting is significantly reduced, leading to a dry spell despite the winds potentially carrying moisture.
Breaks in the monsoon are periods during the monsoon season (June-September) when there is a significant reduction or cessation of rainfall over major parts of the country for several days. These breaks have different causes depending on the region. In the Ganga plains, it is often due to the shifting of the monsoon trough. On the West Coast, it is related to the offshore movement of the monsoon trough or changes in wind direction.

6. Pre-monsoon rainfall in India known as ‘mango-showers’, occur in the c

Pre-monsoon rainfall in India known as ‘mango-showers’, occur in the coastal areas of:

Karnataka
Odisha
Tamil Nadu
Maharashtra
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2021
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Pre-monsoon rainfall known as ‘mango showers’ is common in the coastal areas of Karnataka and Kerala.
These local pre-monsoon showers are important for the ripening of mangoes, hence the name.
Similar pre-monsoon showers in other regions of India are known by different local names, such as ‘Blossom Showers’ for coffee in Kerala or ‘Nor’westers’ in West Bengal and Assam (locally known as ‘Kal Baisakhi’).

7. India’s climate is most affected by which of the following two winds?

India’s climate is most affected by which of the following two winds?

North-East monsoon and South-West monsoon
North-West monsoon and South-East monsoon
North-East monsoon and South-East monsoon
North-West monsoon and South-West monsoon
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2020
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The correct answer is North-East monsoon and South-West monsoon.
India’s climate is predominantly characterized by the monsoon system, which involves a seasonal reversal of winds. The South-West monsoon (summer monsoon) occurs from June to September and brings the vast majority of rainfall across the country. The North-East monsoon (winter monsoon) occurs from October to December and primarily affects the southeastern parts of India, such as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. These two monsoon winds are the most significant factors influencing India’s climate patterns, including temperature, precipitation, and seasonal changes.
Other wind systems and factors like Western Disturbances also influence regional climate patterns, especially in North India during winter, but the overall climate across India is most significantly shaped by the South-West and North-East monsoons.

8. Which one of the following States receives rainfall from both the Arab

Which one of the following States receives rainfall from both the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch of Monsoon ?

Punjab
Maharashtra
Meghalaya
Tamil Nadu
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2021
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Punjab receives rainfall from both the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch of Monsoon.
– The Southwest Monsoon current splits into two main branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.
– The Bay of Bengal branch moves up the Indo-Gangetic plain, bringing rainfall to states like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
– The Arabian Sea branch, after striking the Western Ghats and moving across central India, also contributes to rainfall in the northern plains, including parts of Punjab, sometimes converging with the Bay of Bengal branch.
Maharashtra receives most of its monsoon rainfall from the Arabian Sea branch. Meghalaya receives very heavy rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch (e.g., Mawsynram and Cherrapunji). Tamil Nadu lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats during the Southwest Monsoon and receives most of its rainfall during the Northeast Monsoon season. Punjab is situated in the northern plains where the influence of both monsoon branches is felt.

9. South Arcot and Ramanathapuram receive over 50 percent of their annual

South Arcot and Ramanathapuram receive over 50 percent of their annual rainfall from which one of the following?

South-west monsoon
North-east monsoon
Bay of Bengal branch of summer monsoon
Western disturbances
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2018
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The correct answer is B) North-east monsoon.
South Arcot (now Viluppuram and Cuddalore districts) and Ramanathapuram are districts in Tamil Nadu, located on the southeast coast of India (Coromandel Coast). This region receives the bulk of its annual rainfall, often over 50 percent, during the North-East monsoon season, which typically runs from October to December. During this period, the retreating monsoon winds, after crossing the Bay of Bengal, pick up moisture and bring rainfall to the eastern coast of South India.
During the South-West monsoon season (June-September), the Coromandel Coast lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, receiving comparatively less rainfall. Western Disturbances primarily affect the northern parts of India during the winter months, bringing rainfall or snowfall. The Bay of Bengal branch of the summer monsoon (South-West monsoon) brings rain to eastern and northeastern India and also contributes to rainfall in parts of the peninsula, but the majority of rainfall for the southeastern coast comes from the North-East monsoon.
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