World Climate

1. Which one among the following is not an area of Marine West Coast

Which one among the following is not an area of Marine West Coast Climate?

South-Eastern Australia
North-West Europe
New Zealand
North-West Africa
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2024
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North-West Africa is primarily characterized by a Mediterranean climate, not a Marine West Coast Climate.
The Marine West Coast climate (Köppen: Cfb) is characterized by mild summers, cool winters, and consistent precipitation throughout the year. It is typically found on the west coasts of continents between 40° and 60° latitude.
North-West Europe (e.g., UK, Ireland, coastal Norway, France) is a classic region for Marine West Coast climate. New Zealand, being islands in the mid-latitudes, also has significant areas with Marine West Coast climate. Parts of South-Eastern Australia (e.g., Tasmania, Victoria) also experience this climate type. North-West Africa (e.g., Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) is located at lower latitudes and experiences a Mediterranean climate (Köppen: Csa/Csb), characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, which is distinct from the year-round precipitation pattern of the Marine West Coast climate.

2. Which one of the following countries does not experience Mediterranean

Which one of the following countries does not experience Mediterranean climate?

Syria
Jordan
Lebanon
Israel
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2019
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Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. While Syria, Lebanon, and Israel are located on the eastern Mediterranean coast and experience variations of this climate, Jordan’s climate is predominantly arid to semi-arid, lacking the characteristic wet winters of the Mediterranean climate in most parts of the country. Only a small northwestern tip bordering Israel and Syria might have some marginal Mediterranean influence.
– Mediterranean climate is marked by dry summers and wet winters.
– Countries directly bordering the Mediterranean Sea often experience this climate.
– Syria, Lebanon, and Israel have significant areas with Mediterranean climate influence.
– Jordan’s climate is mainly arid or semi-arid.
Countries that experience Mediterranean climate include those around the Mediterranean Sea (e.g., Italy, Greece, parts of Turkey, coastal areas of North Africa, coastal Spain, southern France), coastal California, central Chile, the Cape Region of South Africa, and parts of southwestern and southern Australia. The eastern Mediterranean coastal strip shared by Syria, Lebanon, and Israel falls within this zone. Jordan is mostly an inland country lying to the east of this coastal zone, placing it in a more desert or steppe climate zone.

3. Which one of the following is *not* the characteristic feature of ‘El

Which one of the following is *not* the characteristic feature of ‘El Ni\u00f1o’ phenomenon impacting the Indian monsoon?

It replaces the cold Peruvian current
Appearance of cold current in East Pacific region
Results in reduction of planktons
Results in drought or weak monsoon in India
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023
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El Niño is characterized by the warming of the surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This *replaces* the usual cold Peruvian current, not leads to the appearance of a cold current. Therefore, the statement “Appearance of cold current in East Pacific region” is incorrect.
El Niño is a phenomenon of warm sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific. It is generally associated with weak monsoon in India and reduction in plankton production due to suppressed upwelling of nutrient-rich cold water.
El Niño is part of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. Its opposite phase, La Niña, is characterized by colder than average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific and is generally associated with a stronger monsoon in India.

4. 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 (Koppen’s type of climate) List-II (Area of occurrence)
A. Amw 1. Coromandel Coast
B. Cwg 2. West Coast of India
C. As 3. West Rajasthan
D. BWhw 4. Ganga Plain
A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2
A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CBI DSP LDCE – 2023
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Based on Koppen’s climate classification as applied to India:
A. Amw (Monsoon with short dry season): Characteristic of the West Coast of India, south of Goa. Matches List-II Option 2.
B. Cwg (Monsoon with dry winter): Characteristic of the Ganga Plain and Northern India. Matches List-II Option 4.
C. As (Monsoon with dry summer): Characteristic of the Coromandel Coast, which receives rainfall during the retreating monsoon. Matches List-II Option 1.
D. BWhw (Hot Desert with dry winter): Characteristic of the Thar Desert region. Matches List-II Option 3.
The correct match is A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3.
This question requires knowledge of Koppen’s climate classification types and their typical areas of occurrence in India.
Koppen’s system uses letters to denote climate types based on temperature and precipitation patterns. ‘A’ indicates tropical climates, ‘B’ dry climates, ‘C’ temperate climates. Sub-letters indicate precipitation patterns (‘m’ – monsoon, ‘w’ – dry winter, ‘s’ – dry summer) and temperature (‘h’ – hot).

5. Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothe

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

  1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.
  2. 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 :

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
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In the Northern Hemisphere winter (January), land surfaces cool down much faster and to lower temperatures than ocean surfaces at similar latitudes.
Statement 1 is correct. Over continents, the cold air causes isotherms to bend southwards (equatorwards). Over oceans, the relatively warmer water causes isotherms to bend northwards (polewards). This describes the typical pattern observed on isothermal maps in January over the Northern Hemisphere.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm ocean currents that transport warm water to higher latitudes in the North Atlantic. This makes the North Atlantic Ocean significantly *warmer* than surrounding land masses or areas influenced by cold currents. This warmth causes the isotherms to bend *north* over the North Atlantic, indicating higher temperatures extending polewards. The statement incorrectly claims these currents make the ocean colder.
Therefore, only Statement 1 is a correct inference.
Isotherms reflect temperature distribution. In winter, continents are typically colder than oceans at the same latitude due to differences in specific heat capacity and heat transfer mechanisms. Warm ocean currents cause isotherms to bend poleward.
The bending of isotherms over land and sea in winter is a clear manifestation of the differential heating and cooling properties of land and water and the influence of ocean currents.

6. Consider the following description: Annual and daily range of temper

Consider the following description:

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

What is this type of climate?

Equatorial climate
China type climate
Humid subtropical climate
Marine West coast climate
This question was previously asked in
UPSC IAS – 2024
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Let’s analyze the characteristics:
– Annual and daily range of temperatures is low: This implies consistent temperatures throughout the year and little variation between day and night. This is characteristic of regions where insolation is consistent and there is high humidity and cloud cover to prevent rapid heat gain/loss, such as the equatorial region.
– Precipitation occurs throughout the year: This indicates a lack of distinct dry seasons.
– Precipitation varies between 50 cm – 250 cm: While 50 cm is low for typical rainforests, the *range* covers typical equatorial rainfall (often >150-200 cm).

Let’s evaluate the options:
A) Equatorial climate: Located around the equator, characterized by high temperatures year-round, low annual temperature range, low daily temperature range (due to humidity/cloud cover), and high, often daily, rainfall throughout the year. Rainfall amounts are typically high (150-250+ cm/year). This fits the description very well, especially the low temperature ranges and year-round precipitation.
B) China type climate (Humid Subtropical): Has hot, humid summers and mild winters. Experiences significant seasonal temperature variations (higher annual range) and rainfall is often concentrated in the summer, although it can be significant year-round.
C) Humid subtropical climate: Same as China type. Does not fit “low annual range of temperatures”.
D) Marine West coast climate: Characterized by mild temperatures year-round (low annual range) and significant precipitation. However, precipitation is often concentrated in winter, and while it can occur year-round, the “throughout the year” and low *daily* range points strongly towards the equatorial climate.

Considering all points, the Equatorial climate is the best fit.

Low annual and daily temperature range coupled with year-round precipitation are defining characteristics of the Equatorial climate.
Equatorial climates are found within approximately 5-10 degrees latitude of the equator. The consistent high temperatures cause significant evaporation, leading to high humidity and convectional rainfall almost daily. The constant cloud cover and high humidity prevent large temperature swings between day and night.

7. With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following

With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct ?

  • OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January – March.
  • OMT collected during January – March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.

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 IAS – 2020
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The correct option is B, as statement 2 is correct regarding the use of OMT in monsoon prediction, while statement 1 contains specific details that may not be universally accurate or precisely phrased.
Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) represents the average temperature of the upper ocean layer, typically down to the depth where the temperature is 26°C. This measure reflects the heat content of the upper ocean and is considered a better predictor of the Indian Summer Monsoon than Sea Surface Temperature (SST) alone.
1. **Depth and Measurement:** OMT is measured up to the depth of the 26°C isotherm. The depth of the 26°C isotherm is not fixed at 129 meters but varies geographically and seasonally. While it might be around 129 meters in the specific region (south-western Indian Ocean) and time (January-March) mentioned, stating it as a fixed depth “which is 129 meters” can be misleading, as the OMT is defined by the varying depth of the isotherm, not a fixed depth. Therefore, this statement is likely inaccurate or too specific/poorly phrased for a general description.
2. **Monsoon Prediction:** Studies have shown a strong correlation between the Ocean Mean Temperature in the southeastern equatorial Indian Ocean and the southwestern Bay of Bengal during the pre-monsoon period (January-March or April-May) and the subsequent Indian Summer Monsoon rainfall. Higher OMT in this region is generally associated with a better monsoon. This statement is correct.

8. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) sometimes mentioned in th

With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino’s impact on the monsoon.
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 IAS – 2017
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Statement 2 is correct, while statement 1 is incorrect.
– Statement 1 is incorrect. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is an irregular oscillation of sea surface temperatures in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer and then colder than the eastern part of the ocean. It is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between a western pole in the Arabian Sea (western tropical Indian Ocean) and an eastern pole in the eastern Indian Ocean south of Indonesia. The statement incorrectly mentions the Eastern Pacific Ocean, which is associated with El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
– Statement 2 is correct. The IOD is a significant climate driver for countries around the Indian Ocean, including influencing the Indian monsoon. IOD and ENSO are two separate climate phenomena, but they can interact and influence each other’s impact on regional weather patterns, including the Indian monsoon. A positive IOD, for instance, is often associated with a good monsoon in India and can sometimes counteract the negative impact of an El Niño event.
A ‘positive IOD’ occurs when the western Indian Ocean is warmer and the eastern Indian Ocean is colder than average. A ‘negative IOD’ is the opposite. The IOD is often called the “Indian Niño” because of its similarity to the Pacific El Niño phenomenon.

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

The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

Equatorial climate
Mediterranean climate
Monsoon climate
All of the above climates
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.

10. “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?

African Savannah
Central Asian Steppe
North American Prairie
Siberian Tundra
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.
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