World and Physical Geography

101. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the

The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to

[amp_mcq option1=”Central Asia” option2=”Middle East” option3=”South-East Asia” option4=”Central Africa” correct=”option2″]

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UPSC IAS – 2015
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The correct option is B. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ is located in the Middle East and is a focal point of conflict in the region.
– The Golan Heights is a plateau region in the Levant.
– It is internationally recognized as Syrian territory under Israeli occupation. Israel captured most of the area from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed it in 1981, a move not widely recognized internationally.
– The region is situated at the border of Israel, Syria, and Jordan.
The status of the Golan Heights is a major point of contention in the Arab–Israeli conflict. Its strategic importance lies in its elevation, providing military advantage, and access to water resources (primarily through the Sea of Galilee).

102. What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?

What explains the eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current?

[amp_mcq option1=”The Earth’s rotation on its axis” option2=”Convergence of the two equatorial currents” option3=”Difference in salinity of water” option4=”Occurrence of the belt of calm near the equator” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
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The eastward flow of the equatorial counter-current is primarily explained by the pressure gradient created by the ‘pile-up’ of water in the western equatorial ocean, which is allowed to flow back eastward in the belt of calm near the equator.
The persistent westward-blowing trade winds in the tropics push surface water westward, causing it to accumulate in the western part of the ocean basin (e.g., western Pacific, western Atlantic). This creates a higher sea level and a pressure gradient sloping downwards towards the east. In the doldrums (Intertropical Convergence Zone – ITCZ), a belt of low pressure and calm or weak winds near the equator, the wind stress is minimal. With reduced opposition from wind, the water flows eastward down this pressure gradient, forming the Equatorial Counter-Current.
While other factors influence ocean currents, the primary driving mechanism for the eastward equatorial counter-current is the interplay between the westward-flowing trade winds, the resulting pressure gradient caused by water accumulation in the west, and the presence of the doldrums where this eastward flow is not inhibited by strong winds. The Earth’s rotation (Coriolis effect) causes deflection, but not the primary eastward flow. Salinity differences mainly influence deeper thermohaline circulation.

103. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical la

In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason?

[amp_mcq option1=”Sea surface temperatures are low” option2=”Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs” option3=”Coriolis force is too weak” option4=”Absence of land in those regions” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2015
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Tropical cyclones do not originate in the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific tropical latitudes primarily because the sea surface temperatures are generally too low in these regions.
Tropical cyclones require warm ocean waters (typically 26.5°C or higher) extending to a significant depth to provide the necessary heat and moisture. In the South-Eastern Pacific along the coast of South America, the cold Humboldt Current keeps the sea surface temperatures low. In the South Atlantic, cold currents (like the Benguela Current) and other factors like high vertical wind shear and unfavorable positioning of the ITCZ generally suppress tropical cyclone formation. While the ITCZ (option B) is also a factor, low sea surface temperature (option A) due to persistent cold currents is a fundamental constraint that prevents the formation or sustenance of tropical cyclones in significant parts of these tropical regions. Coriolis force (option C) is weak near the equator but sufficient in higher tropical latitudes; its weakness only explains the absence near the equator itself, not the entire regions. Absence of land (option D) over the ocean does not prevent cyclone formation.
Occasionally, tropical or subtropical storms can form in the South Atlantic under unusual conditions, but full-blown hurricanes or typhoons are extremely rare. The South-Eastern Pacific is also generally inactive due to the cold water. Most tropical cyclones form in the North Atlantic, Eastern/Central/Western North Pacific, North Indian Ocean, South Indian Ocean, and the Australian/Southwest Pacific basins.

104. What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in

What is the correct sequence of occurrence of the following cities in South-East Asia as one proceeds from south to north?
1. Bangkok
2. Hanoi
3. Jakarta
4. Singapore
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”4-2-1-3″ option2=”3-2-4-1″ option3=”3-4-1-2″ option4=”4-3-2-1″ correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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The correct sequence of these cities from south to north is Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi.
The question requires knowledge of the relative geographical positions (latitudes) of major cities in South-East Asia.
Jakarta (Indonesia) is located in the Southern Hemisphere at approximately 6° S latitude. Singapore is just north of the equator at approximately 1.3° N latitude. Bangkok (Thailand) is further north at approximately 13.7° N latitude. Hanoi (Vietnam) is the northernmost among the listed cities at approximately 21° N latitude. Therefore, the sequence from south to north is Jakarta (3), Singapore (4), Bangkok (1), Hanoi (2), corresponding to option C (3-4-1-2).

105. Turkey is located between

Turkey is located between

[amp_mcq option1=”Black Sea and Caspian Sea” option2=”Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea” option3=”Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea” option4=”Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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Turkey is geographically located between the Black Sea to its north and the Mediterranean Sea to its south.
The question tests knowledge of the geographical location of Turkey relative to major surrounding water bodies.
Turkey is a transcontinental country, located mainly in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by the Black Sea to the north, the Mediterranean Sea to the south, and the Aegean Sea to the west. The Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus strait, and the Dardanelles strait connect the Black Sea and the Aegean/Mediterranean Seas and separate European Turkey from Asian Turkey.

106. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

[amp_mcq option1=”Equatorial climate” option2=”Mediterranean climate” option3=”Monsoon climate” option4=”All of the above climates” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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The question asks which climate is characterized by the seasonal reversal of winds.
A) Equatorial climate: Equatorial climate regions near the equator typically experience consistent high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year, with prevailing winds that are generally constant (like trade winds or doldrums). There is no significant seasonal reversal of winds.
B) Mediterranean climate: Mediterranean climates are characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, typically influenced by the seasonal shift of subtropical high-pressure belts. While there are seasonal wind patterns, the defining characteristic is not a complete reversal of prevailing winds.
C) Monsoon climate: The monsoon climate is specifically defined by the seasonal reversal of wind direction. In summer, winds blow from the sea to the land (bringing heavy rainfall), and in winter, they blow from the land to the sea (leading to dry conditions). This reversal is driven by the differential heating of land and sea.
D) All of the above climates: Only the Monsoon climate exhibits the characteristic seasonal reversal of winds.
– Seasonal reversal of winds is the defining feature of the Monsoon climate.
– This phenomenon is caused by the differential heating of land and water bodies over seasons.
Monsoon climates are most prominent in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of East Asia, as well as other regions like parts of Africa and Australia. The Indian subcontinent is a classic example of a monsoon climate region.

107. Consider the following countries : 1. Denmark 2. Japan 3. Russian F

Consider the following countries :

1. Denmark

2. Japan

3. Russian Federation

4. United Kingdom

5. United States of America

Which of the above are the members of the ‘Arctic Council’?

[amp_mcq option1=”1, 2 and 3″ option2=”2, 3 and 4″ option3=”1, 4 and 5″ option4=”1, 3 and 5″ correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2014
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The correct option is D. Denmark, Russian Federation, and United States of America are members of the ‘Arctic Council’.
The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum that provides a mechanism to address issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the Arctic. Its member states are the eight countries that have territory within the Arctic Circle.
The eight member states are: Canada, Denmark (representing Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States (representing Alaska). From the given options, Denmark (via Greenland), Russian Federation, and United States of America are the members. Japan and the United Kingdom are not Arctic countries and are therefore not members, although they hold observer status along with several other non-Arctic states.

108. During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the m

During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the

  • meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
  • lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
  • violent upward movement of air and water particles

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”2 and 3″ option3=”1 and 3″ option4=”None of the above produces the thunder” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
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Thunder is produced by the rapid expansion of air heated by lightning. Option 2 mentions lightning, which is the direct cause. Option 3, the violent upward movement of air and water particles (convection), is a necessary process within a thunderstorm that leads to charge separation and thus lightning. While not the direct producer of the *sound*, it is essential for the occurrence of lightning, which in turn produces thunder. Considering the options, 2 and 3 together represent the phenomena directly linked to the generation of thunder within a thunderstorm.
Lightning is an electrical discharge within a thunderstorm cloud or between the cloud and the ground. The intense heat from the lightning channel causes the surrounding air to expand rapidly, creating a shockwave that we hear as thunder. The violent upward movement of air and water particles (updrafts) within cumulonimbus clouds leads to the collision of particles, charge separation, and eventually the buildup of electrical potential that results in lightning. Thus, updrafts are integral to the process leading to lightning and, consequently, thunder.
Statement 1, the meeting of cumulonimbus clouds, is not a direct cause of thunder. Cumulonimbus clouds are the type of clouds where thunderstorms occur, but their meeting doesn’t produce the sound. While statement 2’s phrasing “lightning that separates the nimbus clouds” is awkward, it points to lightning as the cause. Statement 3 describes the process of convection which is a prerequisite for severe thunderstorms and lightning. In the context of MCQ options, 2 and 3 are the most relevant phenomena listed that lead to thunder.

109. “Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be noma

“Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders.”
The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

[amp_mcq option1=”African Savannah” option2=”Central Asian Steppe” option3=”North American Prairie” option4=”Siberian Tundra” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
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The correct answer is B) Central Asian Steppe.
The description perfectly fits the geographical and cultural characteristics of the Central Asian Steppe. This region experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature variations between summer and winter. Rainfall is typically scanty, classifying it as a semi-arid grassland. Historically, the people of this region were largely nomadic herders due to the vast grasslands suitable for grazing livestock and the need to move in search of pasture.
African Savannah has distinct wet and dry seasons with moderate to high rainfall. North American Prairie has a temperate climate with more consistent rainfall allowing for extensive agriculture in many parts. Siberian Tundra has an arctic climate, permafrost, and low-growing vegetation, not typically supporting large-scale nomadic herding in the manner described.

110. The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is h

The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons?

  • Thermal difference between land and water
  • Variation in altitude between continents and oceans
  • Presence of strong winds in the interior
  • Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

[amp_mcq option1=”1 only” option2=”1 and 2 only” option3=”2 and 3 only” option4=”1, 2, 3 and 4″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2013
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The primary reason for the high annual range of temperature in the interior of continents compared to coastal areas is the thermal difference between land and water. Land heats up and cools down much faster than water. Coastal areas benefit from the moderating influence of the ocean, which absorbs and releases heat slowly, reducing temperature extremes throughout the year. Interior regions, lacking this moderating effect, experience greater variations between summer highs and winter lows.
Specific heat capacity and heat transfer mechanisms cause land to heat and cool more rapidly than water. This differential heating/cooling leads to continental climates having larger temperature ranges (diurnal and annual) than maritime climates.
Statement 2 is generally not true as a universal reason for the difference in range; altitude affects absolute temperature, not primarily the range between interiors and coasts in a general sense. Statements 3 and 4 describe potential local weather phenomena but are not the fundamental climatic reason for the large annual temperature range in continental interiors compared to coasts. Interior areas often experience low humidity and less cloud cover, which further contributes to faster heating and cooling.
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