World and Physical Geography Archives

181. Which of the following statements about tropical cyclone are correct?

Which of the following statements about tropical cyclone are correct?

It originates and develops over warm oceanic surface.
Presence of Coriolis force is necessary for it.
It occurs in middle latitudinal region.
It develops ‘eye’ with calm and descending air condition.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure systems that originate over warm tropical oceans (Statement 1 is correct). The Coriolis force is essential for the rotation and development of a tropical cyclone; hence, they typically do not form near the equator where the Coriolis force is negligible (Statement 2 is correct). Tropical cyclones form and develop in tropical regions, generally between 5° and 30° latitude, not in middle latitudinal regions (Statement 3 is incorrect). A well-developed tropical cyclone features a central ‘eye’, which is a region of calm, clear, and subsiding air (Statement 4 is correct).

Key characteristics of tropical cyclones include formation over warm ocean waters, requirement of Coriolis force for rotation, occurrence in tropical latitudes, and the presence of a calm ‘eye’ at the center of mature storms.

Middle latitude cyclones (also known as extratropical cyclones) form in the middle latitudes (typically between 30° and 60° latitude) and are associated with frontal systems. They derive energy from temperature contrasts, unlike tropical cyclones which derive energy from latent heat released by condensation of water vapor.

182. The tides whose height is 20 percent more than normal tide are called

The tides whose height is 20 percent more than normal tide are called

[amp_mcq option1=”spring tides” option2=”neap tides” option3=”apogean and perigean tides” option4=”daily and semi-diurnal tides” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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Tides are influenced by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. The height of tides varies depending on the relative positions of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, as well as the Moon’s distance from Earth. Perigean tides occur when the moon is closest to the Earth (at perigee), resulting in stronger gravitational pull and consequently higher high tides and lower low tides than average. Apogean tides occur when the moon is farthest from the Earth (at apogee), resulting in weaker pull and lower high tides and higher low tides. The difference in tidal range between perigean and apogean tides can be significant, often cited around 20-40%. The phrasing “whose height is 20 percent more than normal tide” strongly suggests the influence of the Moon’s distance, pointing towards perigean tides, which are grouped with apogean tides in option C as distinct categories based on distance.

Tidal height variations are influenced by the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun (causing spring and neap tides) and the Moon’s distance from Earth (causing perigean and apogean tides). Perigean tides are higher than average due to the Moon’s closer proximity.

Spring tides occur during new and full moons when the sun and moon are aligned with Earth, causing maximum tidal range (highest high tides, lowest low tides). Neap tides occur during quarter moons when the sun and moon are at right angles to Earth relative to the Earth, causing minimum tidal range. Perigean spring tides, occurring when a spring tide coincides with the moon being at perigee, result in exceptionally high tides.

183. Which one of the following ocean currents is not a warm current?

Which one of the following ocean currents is not a warm current?

[amp_mcq option1=”North Pacific” option2=”Falkland” option3=”North Equatorial” option4=”Canary” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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The Falkland current is not a warm current; it is a cold current.

– Ocean currents are broadly classified as warm or cold based on their temperature relative to the surrounding water and whether they bring water from warmer or colder regions.
– The North Pacific Current is part of the North Pacific Gyre and is considered a warm current, carrying warm water eastward across the Pacific.
– The Falkland Current (also known as the Malvinas Current) is a cold current flowing northward along the Atlantic coast of Patagonia, originating from the Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
– The North Equatorial Current (e.g., North Atlantic or North Pacific) flows westward in the tropical regions and carries warm water.
– The Canary Current is a cold current flowing southward along the northwestern coast of Africa, part of the North Atlantic Gyre’s eastern boundary.

The question asks for the current that is “not a warm current”. Both the Falkland Current (B) and the Canary Current (D) are classified as cold currents. However, typically in such multiple-choice questions, only one option is intended as correct. Based on common interpretations of this specific question structure in similar exams, the Falkland Current is often identified as the intended ‘not warm’ (cold) current among these options. The Falkland Current’s connection to Antarctic waters makes it a very distinct cold current.

184. The lowest temperature is observed/ recorded in which one of the follo

The lowest temperature is observed/ recorded in which one of the following layers of the atmosphere?

[amp_mcq option1=”Stratosphere” option2=”Mesosphere” option3=”Thermosphere” option4=”Troposphere” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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The lowest temperature in the atmosphere is observed/recorded in the Mesosphere.

– The atmosphere is divided into several layers based on temperature profiles: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.
– In the Troposphere, temperature generally decreases with altitude.
– In the Stratosphere, temperature increases with altitude due to the absorption of ultraviolet radiation by the ozone layer.
– In the Mesosphere, temperature again decreases with altitude. The coldest temperatures in the Earth’s atmosphere, often dropping below -90°C (-130°F), are found at the top of the mesosphere (the mesopause).
– In the Thermosphere, temperature increases sharply with altitude due to the absorption of high-energy solar radiation.

The mesopause, the boundary between the mesosphere and the thermosphere, is typically the coldest region of the entire atmosphere. Meteors often burn up in the mesosphere.

185. Arabian Sea records higher salinity than the Bay of Bengal because

Arabian Sea records higher salinity than the Bay of Bengal because

[amp_mcq option1=”Arabian Sea exhibits high rate of evaporation and low influx of fresh-water” option2=”Arabian Sea has shallow water” option3=”Arabian Sea has more enclosed land” option4=”Arabian Sea receives more rainfall” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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The correct answer is A) Arabian Sea exhibits high rate of evaporation and low influx of fresh-water.

Salinity in oceans is primarily affected by evaporation, precipitation, freshwater influx from rivers, and freezing/melting of ice. The Arabian Sea experiences a higher rate of evaporation due to clearer skies and higher temperatures in parts influenced by dry winds. Crucially, the Bay of Bengal receives enormous volumes of freshwater from large rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery, which significantly dilutes its water and lowers its salinity compared to the Arabian Sea, which receives fewer major rivers.

Average salinity of the Arabian Sea is around 36 parts per thousand (ppt), while the average salinity of the Bay of Bengal is lower, around 30-33 ppt, particularly lower near the river mouths.

186. Which of the following cities experience the warm temperate Mediterran

Which of the following cities experience the warm temperate Mediterranean climate?

1. Cape Town
2. Los Angeles
3. Adelaide
4. Santiago

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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The correct answer is D) 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The warm temperate Mediterranean climate is typically found on the western margins of continents between 30° and 45° latitudes in both hemispheres. It is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. All four listed cities are located in regions that experience this type of climate.

Cape Town (South Africa, ~34°S), Los Angeles (USA, ~34°N), Adelaide (Australia, ~35°S), and Santiago (Chile, ~33°S) are classic examples of cities with Mediterranean climates. These regions benefit from subtropical high-pressure systems during summer, leading to dry conditions, and are influenced by westerlies and frontal systems during winter, bringing precipitation.

187. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code

Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists :

List-I (Limestone region)	List-II (Country)
A. Pennines	1. France
B. Yucatan Peninsula	2. Jamaica
C. Cockpit Country	3. Britain
D. Causses	4. Mexico

[amp_mcq option1=”A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1″ option2=”A-1, B-2, C-4, D-3″ option3=”A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1″ option4=”A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3″ correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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This question asks to match well-known limestone (karst) regions with the countries where they are located.
A. Pennines is a range of hills often called the “backbone of England”. England is part of Great Britain, hence Pennines is in Britain. Matches with 3.
B. The Yucatan Peninsula is a large landmass in southeastern Mexico, also extending into Belize and Guatemala. Mexico is the principal country associated with it in a geographical context. Matches with 4.
C. Cockpit Country is a rugged, hilly region of central Jamaica known for its distinctive karst topography featuring conical hills and sinkholes. Matches with 2.
D. The Causses are a series of limestone plateaus in the Massif Central region of France, characterized by deep canyons and karst features. Matches with 1.
Therefore, the correct matching is A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1.

This question tests knowledge of specific geographic locations famous for their karst geomorphology and the countries where they are found.

Karst topography develops in regions underlain by soluble rocks like limestone, dolomite, or gypsum, characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems. Famous karst regions exist worldwide, reflecting the widespread distribution of carbonate rocks.

188. Springs are common in which of the following areas? 1. Well jointed

Springs are common in which of the following areas?

1. Well jointed rocks
2. Arid areas with underlying rocks
3. Karst topography
4. Tilted strata

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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Springs are common in areas with well-jointed rocks, karst topography, and tilted strata.

Springs occur where groundwater flows out onto the surface. This typically happens in areas where geological conditions facilitate the movement and emergence of groundwater.
1. **Well-jointed rocks:** Fractures and joints act as conduits for groundwater flow, allowing water to reach the surface. (Correct)
2. **Arid areas with underlying rocks:** Arid conditions generally mean low precipitation, low groundwater recharge, and deep water tables, making springs less common than in humid regions. (Incorrect)
3. **Karst topography:** Limestone or other soluble rocks are dissolved by groundwater, creating caves, sinkholes, and extensive underground drainage systems. Springs, often large ones (karst springs), are characteristic features of karst landscapes as groundwater emerges from these systems. (Correct)
4. **Tilted strata:** Layers of permeable rock (aquifers) between impermeable layers can become confined aquifers when tilted. If the impermeable upper layer is breached (e.g., by erosion or a fault), the pressurized water in the aquifer can rise to the surface as an artesian spring. (Correct)

The location and flow rate of springs are influenced by factors such as precipitation, aquifer properties, land use, and geological structures.

189. In mid-latitude regions, the diurnal variation in weather is due to

In mid-latitude regions, the diurnal variation in weather is due to

[amp_mcq option1=”raising air/convection” option2=”sinking air/conduction” option3=”advection” option4=”radiation” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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In mid-latitude regions, the primary driver of diurnal variation in weather is radiation.

Diurnal variation refers to the changes in weather elements (like temperature, humidity, wind, cloudiness) that occur over a 24-hour cycle. This cycle is fundamentally driven by the daily pattern of incoming solar radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation. During the day, solar radiation heats the surface and atmosphere; at night, the Earth cools by emitting long-wave radiation. This daily heating and cooling cycle directly causes the diurnal temperature range and indirectly influences other diurnal patterns like convection (daytime heating leads to rising air and potential thunderstorms) or fog formation (nighttime cooling leads to condensation). While convection, conduction, and advection play roles in weather, radiation is the primary cause of the day-night difference that defines diurnal variation.

Advection, the horizontal movement of air masses, is a major cause of *weather changes* over periods longer than a day (synoptic scale), but the recurring daily cycle is primarily governed by the Earth’s rotation relative to the sun and the resulting radiative balance.

190. The Tropic of Cancer passes through which one of the following

The Tropic of Cancer passes through which one of the following countries?

[amp_mcq option1=”North Sudan” option2=”Chad” option3=”Mali” option4=”Yemen” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CAPF – 2018

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The Tropic of Cancer passes through Mali among the given options.

The Tropic of Cancer is a line of latitude approximately 23.5° North of the Earth’s Equator. It marks the northernmost latitude at which the sun can appear directly overhead. Among the countries listed, the Tropic of Cancer passes through the northern part of Mali. While it also passes through northern Sudan, the options require selecting only one country. Mali is a well-documented country crossed by this line.

Other countries the Tropic of Cancer passes through include Mexico, the Bahamas, Mauritania, Niger, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China, and Taiwan.