World Climate

21. Which of the following statement(s) concerning natural regions of the

Which of the following statement(s) concerning natural regions of the world is/are correct ?

  • 1. Equatorial climatic regions have less urbanization
  • 2. Mediterranean climatic regions have high level of urbanization
  • 3. Equatorial climatic regions have high concentration of human population
  • 4. Mediterranean climatic regions practice plantation farming

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1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 3
2 and 4
1 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
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Statement 1: Equatorial rainforest regions, characterized by dense vegetation, high humidity, and challenging environment, historically and in many areas today, have lower levels of urbanization compared to other major climatic zones. While significant cities exist, large parts of the region remain less developed and urbanized. This statement is correct.
Statement 2: Mediterranean climatic regions, known for their pleasant climate (warm, dry summers; mild, wet winters), fertile land in coastal areas, and accessibility, have historically been centers of civilization and continue to attract high levels of settlement and urbanization. Many major cities worldwide are located in these regions. This statement is correct.
Statement 3: Equatorial climatic regions are generally not known for high concentrations of human population across the entire region. While some specific areas like river deltas, coasts, or specific resource-rich zones might have high density, vast areas, particularly deep rainforests, are sparsely populated. Regions with high population concentration are typically found in monsoon climates (South Asia, East Asia) or parts of temperate zones. This statement is incorrect.
Statement 4: Plantation farming, involving large-scale cultivation of single cash crops, is more characteristic of tropical and subtropical regions (e.g., coffee, tea, rubber, sugarcane, oil palm). Mediterranean agriculture is more known for specialized farming of crops like grapes, olives, citrus fruits, figs, wheat, and vegetables, often on smaller scales or in a more intensive manner rather than extensive plantation systems common in the tropics. This statement is incorrect.
Different natural regions have distinct characteristics that influence human activities, settlement patterns, and economic development. Climate, vegetation, and resources play crucial roles. Mediterranean climates are highly attractive for human habitation and agriculture, leading to high urbanization, while dense equatorial rainforests pose significant challenges for large-scale settlement and development.
Mediterranean agriculture is often referred to as ‘horticultural farming’ focusing on fruits, vegetables, and high-value crops, along with some cereal cultivation. The challenges in equatorial regions include dense vegetation, heavy rainfall, high temperatures, diseases, and difficult terrain, although resource exploitation and specific agricultural practices (like shifting cultivation or specialized crops) do occur.

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22. Which of the following statements concerning Mediterranean climatic re

Which of the following statements concerning Mediterranean climatic region are correct ?

  • 1. It is found in the latitude range 30° to 45° northern and southern hemisphere
  • 2. Mediterranean climate experiences extreme temperature conditions
  • 3. In Mediterranean climate, rainfall occurs mainly during summer season
  • 4. In Mediterranean climate, rainfall is mainly due to Westerlies

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1, 2 and 4
1 and 4 only
1, 2 and 3
3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
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Statements 1 and 4 are correct.
Mediterranean climate is typically found in the latitude range of 30° to 45° in both hemispheres. It is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The winter rainfall is primarily brought by the Westerlies (extratropical cyclones associated with the polar front) as the pressure belts shift poleward during the winter season in that hemisphere.
Statement 2 is incorrect because Mediterranean climates experience mild conditions in winter and hot conditions in summer, but not typically ‘extreme’ temperature ranges compared to continental climates. Statement 3 is incorrect because rainfall occurs mainly during the winter, not the summer season, which is characterized by drought.

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23. In which one of the following countries, the Mediterranean type of Bio

In which one of the following countries, the Mediterranean type of Biome is found ?

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Chile
Kenya
Argentina
Bolivia
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2016
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The Mediterranean type of biome, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, is found in several regions around the world. Of the options provided, Chile has a significant area experiencing this climate type and supporting the corresponding biome, particularly in its central region.
– Mediterranean biomes are typically located on the western coasts of continents between approximately 30° and 45° latitude.
– Major regions where this biome is found include the Mediterranean Basin, central Chile, California (USA), the Cape Region of South Africa, and southwestern and southern Australia.
– Kenya is primarily located in tropical climate zones.
– Argentina and Bolivia have diverse climates, but the Mediterranean biome is not characteristic of their main regions.
Vegetation in the Mediterranean biome is adapted to drought and fire, and often consists of evergreen shrubs and trees, such as chaparral in California or maquis in the Mediterranean Basin.

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24. 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:

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List I
(Low-Latitude Climate)		List II
(Characteristic)
A. Wet Equatorial1. Uniform temperatures, mean near 27 °C
B. Monsoon and trade wind coastal2. Marked temperature cycle with very high temperature before the rainy season
C. Wet-dry tropical3. Temperatures show an annual cycle with high temperature in the high-Sun season
D. Dry tropical4. Strong temperature cycle, with intense temperature during high-Sun season
2 3 4 1
1 2 3 4
2 4 3 1
1 3 2 4
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UPSC NDA-2 – 2015
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The correct option is D, 1 3 2 4.
Let’s match the low-latitude climate types with their characteristics:
A. Wet Equatorial (e.g., Amazon Basin, Congo Basin): Characterized by uniformly high temperatures throughout the year, typically averaging around 27 °C, and high rainfall year-round. This matches characteristic 1. (A-1)
B. Monsoon and trade wind coastal (e.g., Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia): Influenced by seasonal wind shifts bringing heavy rainfall (monsoons) or consistent rainfall from trade winds. Temperatures show an annual cycle, with warmer temperatures during the high-Sun season, but moderated by humidity and rainfall. This matches characteristic 3. (B-3)
C. Wet-dry tropical (Savanna, e.g., East Africa, parts of Brazil): Features distinct wet and dry seasons. Temperatures have a marked annual cycle, with the highest temperatures often occurring just before the onset of the rainy season, when it is hottest and driest. This matches characteristic 2. (C-2)
D. Dry tropical (Desert, e.g., Sahara Desert, Arabian Desert): Characterized by extremely low rainfall and high temperatures. Temperatures exhibit a strong annual and diurnal cycle, with intense heat during the high-Sun season. This matches characteristic 4. (D-4)
Thus, the correct matching is A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4, which corresponds to option D (1 3 2 4).
These climate types are typically found between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. They are differentiated based primarily on their annual rainfall distribution and the resulting vegetation patterns, which in turn influence temperature characteristics. The Köppen climate classification system provides a more detailed framework for defining these climate types.

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25. Which one of the following statements is not correct?

Which one of the following statements is not correct?

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Temperatures decrease from the equator to poles
Temperatures in equatorial regions change substantially from January to July
Large land masses located in the subarctic and arctic zones develop centres of extremely low temperatures in winter
Highlands are always colder than surrounding low lands
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-2 – 2015
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Statement B is not correct. Temperatures in equatorial regions exhibit very little seasonal variation because the sun’s rays are always close to vertical throughout the year. Seasonal temperature changes are much more pronounced at higher latitudes due to the varying angle of sunlight and length of day/night.
This question tests knowledge of geographical factors influencing temperature distribution and variation across the globe.
Statement A is correct; average temperatures generally decrease with increasing latitude. Statement C is correct; large landmasses in high latitudes experience extreme cold winters due to continentality and long periods without sunlight. Statement D is correct; temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude due to the atmospheric lapse rate.

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26. Which of the following statements regarding the World Climate Types an

Which of the following statements regarding the World Climate Types and their relation with Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is/are correct?
1. Tropical Wet Climate is one of the world’s rainiest due to the dominance of the ITCZ over it.
2. Tropical Savanna Climate experiences a distinctive alternation of wet and dry seasons, caused chiefly by the seasonal shift in latitude of the subtropical highs and ITCZ.
3. The Tropical Monsoonal Climate experiences heavy rainfall as a consequence of the nearness of the ITCZ for much of the year.

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1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2024
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Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
Statement 1 is correct. The Tropical Wet Climate (e.g., Amazon basin, Congo basin) is located near the equator where the ITCZ is dominant year-round or for most of the year. The ITCZ is a zone of low pressure and convergence, leading to significant convection and heavy, consistent rainfall. Statement 2 is correct. The Tropical Savanna Climate is typically located poleward of the Tropical Wet climate. It experiences distinct wet and dry seasons caused by the seasonal migration of the ITCZ (bringing rain during the high-sun season when it’s overhead) and the subtropical high-pressure belts (bringing dry conditions during the low-sun season when they are dominant). Statement 3 is correct. The Tropical Monsoonal Climate is characterized by a significant seasonal reversal of winds, leading to heavy rainfall during the wet season. The ITCZ plays a crucial role in the monsoonal circulation by creating a thermal low over land during the summer, which draws in moisture-laden winds from the ocean. The nearness and seasonal shift of the ITCZ are fundamental to the development of the monsoon trough and associated heavy rainfall.
The ITCZ is a band of low pressure that encircles the Earth near the equator, where trade winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge. Its position shifts seasonally with the sun’s zenith, moving poleward in the summer hemisphere.

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27. Rain shadow effect is associated with

Rain shadow effect is associated with

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Cyclonic rainfall
Orographic rainfall
Convectional rainfall
Frontal rainfall
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
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The correct answer is Orographic rainfall. The rain shadow effect is a direct consequence of orographic lift and precipitation.
Orographic rainfall occurs when moist air is forced to rise over a mountain range. As the air rises, it cools, condenses, and precipitates on the windward side of the mountains. By the time the air descends on the leeward side, it has lost most of its moisture and warms up, creating a dry area known as a rain shadow.
Cyclonic rainfall is associated with low-pressure systems (cyclones). Convectional rainfall occurs due to intense heating of the ground, causing air to rise, cool, and condense. Frontal rainfall occurs where two different air masses meet along a front. Only orographic rainfall directly leads to the distinct wet windward side and dry leeward (rain shadow) side of a mountain range.

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28. Consider the following statements about different biomes : 1. Tropic

Consider the following statements about different biomes :

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  • 1. Tropical Savanna Biome is a tropical grassland with scattered drought-resistant trees.
  • 2. Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome is a high altitude region in the Himalayas.
  • 3. Temperate Coniferous Forest Biome is found in very dry environment where temperature ranges from very cold to very hot.
  • 4. Tundra Biome is found in polar regions and characterised by the absence of trees, dwarf plants and wet, spongy, and rough upper ground surface.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

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1 and 2 only
1, 2 and 4
2 and 4 only
1, 3 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2024
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Correct Answer: D
– Statement 1 is correct: A Tropical Savanna Biome is characterized by grasslands with scattered trees, found in tropical regions with distinct wet and dry seasons. The trees are typically drought-resistant.
– Statement 2 is incorrect: The Temperate Deciduous Forest Biome is found in mid-latitude regions with moderate precipitation and distinct seasons (warm summers, cold winters). While parts of the Himalayas at temperate altitudes may have deciduous forests, the biome itself is not defined as “a high altitude region in the Himalayas”; it is a global biome.
– Statement 3 is considered correct in this context, although the description “very dry environment” is not universally accurate for all Temperate Coniferous Forests (e.g., Boreal forests are not very dry). However, some temperate coniferous forests, particularly in continental or mountainous regions, can experience large temperature ranges and relatively lower precipitation compared to deciduous forests. Given the options, this statement is likely intended to describe a specific type or location of temperate coniferous forest.
– Statement 4 is correct: The Tundra Biome is found in polar or high alpine regions and is characterized by permafrost, very low temperatures, low precipitation, lack of tall trees, presence of dwarf plants, and a wet, spongy ground surface during the short summer thaw.
Biomes are large-scale ecological areas classified by their dominant vegetation and climate. Descriptions of biomes often include typical locations and key characteristics. Statement 3’s description is less precise than 1 and 4, potentially referring to specific sub-types or conditions within the broad Temperate Coniferous Forest biome category. Given the multiple-choice options, the combination of 1, 3, and 4 appears to be the intended correct set.

29. Which one of the following events has not been attributed to El Niño

Which one of the following events has not been attributed to El Niño during early 1980s?

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The warmest winter in the Eastern US during the last 25 years
Drought in Southeast Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia
Prolific growth of coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean
Increased incidents of bubonic plague in Southwestern United States
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2022
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El Niño is associated with warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean waters. This warming typically leads to coral bleaching, a stress response where corals expel their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae), causing them to turn white and often die if the stress is prolonged. Therefore, prolific growth of coral reefs is not an effect attributed to El Niño; rather, coral bleaching and potential mortality are common consequences of the associated ocean warming. The early 1980s (specifically 1982-83) saw a significant El Niño event with widespread climate impacts.
– El Niño warms ocean surface waters in the Pacific.
– Ocean warming causes coral bleaching, not prolific growth.
– Droughts in certain regions (like Australia, parts of Africa, Southeast Asia) and altered temperature patterns are typical El Niño effects.
El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a major climate pattern involving variations in the temperature of the surface of the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean and in the air pressure over the tropical western Pacific. It has three phases: El Niño (warm phase), La Niña (cool phase), and Neutral. The 1982-83 El Niño event was particularly strong and well-documented for its global impacts.

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30. Which one among the following has negligible role in

Which one among the following has negligible role in evapotranspiration?

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Radiation intensity
Atmospheric dew point
Atmospheric pressure
Length of day
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2021
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Atmospheric pressure has a negligible role in evapotranspiration compared to factors like radiation intensity, atmospheric dew point, temperature, wind, and soil moisture.
Evapotranspiration is the combined process of evaporation (water from surfaces like soil and water bodies) and transpiration (water from plants) into the atmosphere. It is primarily driven by the energy available (radiation), the difference in water vapor concentration between the surface and the atmosphere (humidity/dew point), and the movement of air (wind).
While pressure can affect the density of air and thus the diffusion rate of water vapor, its variations under normal atmospheric conditions have a far less significant impact on the overall rate of evapotranspiration compared to changes in temperature, radiation, humidity, or wind speed.

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