World Climate

31. Global climates are classified on the basis of:

Global climates are classified on the basis of:

annual averages in temperature and precipitation only.
annual averages in temperature only.
seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation only.
annual averages and seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation.
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2020
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Global climate classification systems, such as the widely used Köppen system, are based on analyzing patterns of temperature and precipitation. They consider not just the annual average values but also the seasonal distribution and variations of temperature and precipitation (e.g., presence or absence of a dry season, hot summer or cold winter, etc.). These seasonal patterns are crucial for defining distinct climate types and their associated vegetation.
Temperature and precipitation are the two most fundamental elements used to define climate. Their average values and seasonal cycles determine the types of ecosystems that can thrive in a region.
Other factors like humidity, wind, and sunshine are also components of climate, but temperature and precipitation are considered the primary variables for defining major climate zones and classification systems.

32. Which one of the following countries does not have Tundra vegetation?

Which one of the following countries does not have Tundra vegetation?

Belarus
USA
Russia
Canada
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UPSC CDS-2 – 2020
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Tundra vegetation is found in regions with very low temperatures and short growing seasons, typically in high latitudes (Arctic tundra) or high altitudes (Alpine tundra). Countries with significant Tundra areas include those with land extending into the Arctic region, such as Russia (Siberia, Arctic coast), Canada (Northern Territories, Nunavut), and the USA (Alaska). Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe with a temperate continental climate, characterized by forests and wetlands, not Tundra.
– Tundra biome occurs in cold climates with permafrost.
– Countries like Russia, Canada, and the USA have large areas of Tundra in their northern regions.
– Belarus is located in the temperate zone and lacks the necessary climatic conditions for Tundra.
Other areas with Tundra include parts of Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Alpine tundra occurs in high mountains at any latitude where temperatures are low enough.

33. Which one of the following indicates the Tropical Savannah climate?

Which one of the following indicates the Tropical Savannah climate?

Aw
Dfc
Cwg
Am
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UPSC CDS-2 – 2020
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The Köppen climate classification code ‘Aw’ indicates the Tropical Savannah climate.
In the Köppen system, the first letter ‘A’ represents Tropical climates, characterized by consistently high temperatures throughout the year. The second letter ‘w’ signifies a dry winter season (winter is the low sun period). The Tropical Savannah climate typically has distinct wet and dry seasons, with the dry season occurring during the cooler part of the year (winter).
‘Am’ indicates a Tropical Monsoon climate. ‘Cwg’ represents a subtropical highland climate or monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (often found in parts of India). ‘Dfc’ indicates a subarctic climate with cold winters and no dry season, characteristic of high latitudes.

34. Which one of the following regions is an important supplier of citrus

Which one of the following regions is an important supplier of citrus fruits ?

Equatorial region
Mediterranean region
Desert region
Sub-humid region
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2019
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The correct answer is Mediterranean region.
The Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, is ideal for the cultivation of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and tangerines. This climate supports crops that can withstand drought in summer and benefit from winter rainfall.
Other characteristic crops of the Mediterranean region include olives, grapes, figs, and cork. The equatorial region is too hot and wet, the desert region is too dry, and while some sub-humid regions might support citrus, the Mediterranean climate is the most important and well-known supplier globally.

35. Which one of the following is the most noticeable characteristic of th

Which one of the following is the most noticeable characteristic of the Mediterranean climate ?

Limited geographical extent
Dry summer
Dry winter
Moderate temperature
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2019
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The Mediterranean climate, found around the Mediterranean Sea, parts of California, central Chile, South Africa’s Cape region, and southwestern Australia, is primarily characterized by its distinctive rainfall pattern: dry, hot summers and mild, wet winters. The dry summer is a direct result of the seasonal shift of pressure belts, with the subtropical high-pressure belt moving over these regions during summer.
The most noticeable characteristic of the Mediterranean climate is the pronounced dry period during the summer months.
Other characteristics include moderate temperatures throughout the year compared to continental climates, frost being rare, and the presence of sclerophyll vegetation (hard-leaved, drought-resistant plants) adapted to the long summer drought. While limited geographical extent is true, the unique pattern of summer drought and winter rain is the defining climatic feature.

36. What does BW stand for as per the Koeppen climate classification?

What does BW stand for as per the Koeppen climate classification?

Steppe climate
Desert climate
Tundra climate
Mesothermal climate
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The correct answer is Desert climate.
In the Koeppen climate classification system, ‘B’ denotes arid (dry) climates. The second letter ‘W’ stands for ‘Wüste’ (German for desert), indicating an extremely arid climate. ‘S’ stands for ‘Steppe’, indicating a semi-arid climate.
The first letter in the Koeppen system classifies the main climate type (A – Tropical, B – Arid, C – Temperate, D – Continental, E – Polar). The second letter, for B climates, differentiates between desert (W) and steppe (S). Subsequent letters provide more detail about temperature or precipitation patterns.

37. Which of the following statements regarding ice-cap climate is/are cor

Which of the following statements regarding ice-cap climate is/are correct?

  • 1. In the Koeppen climate classification, the ice-cap climate is signified by the letters EF.
  • 2. It is the Earth’s most severe climate, where the mean monthly temperature is never above 0 degree Celsius.
  • 3. This climate is found in the Pir Panjal and the Great Himalayas.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 only
1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
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UPSC CDS-1 – 2024
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Statements 1 and 2 are correct regarding the ice-cap climate. Statement 3 is incorrect.
The ice-cap climate (EF) is characterized by permanent ice and snow cover, with mean monthly temperatures always below 0°C. This is the most severe climate on Earth.
1. In the Köppen climate classification, EF denotes the Ice Cap climate.
2. By definition, in EF climate, the average temperature of the warmest month is 0°C (32°F) or below, making it the most severe climate.
3. The Ice Cap climate (EF) is found primarily in continental ice sheets like those covering Antarctica and Greenland. High mountain regions like the Himalayas, even at very high altitudes, typically experience Alpine or Highland climates, which may include permafrost and glacial areas but also have months with mean temperatures above 0°C in some parts, classifying them as ET (Tundra) or other types at lower altitudes.

38. Which one of the following climatic types is found in Central Spain?

Which one of the following climatic types is found in Central Spain?

Subarctic
Mediterranean dry hot summer
Subtropical Steppe
Humid continental warm summer
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2020
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Central Spain, particularly the Meseta Central area including Madrid, experiences a climate characterized by hot, dry summers and cold winters. This climate type fits the description of a continental Mediterranean climate, which is a variation of the Mediterranean climate with more extreme temperatures due to its inland location. Among the given options, ‘Mediterranean dry hot summer’ (often Csa in Köppen classification) is the most appropriate description for the summer conditions and overall climate despite the continental influence in winter.
A standard Mediterranean climate (Csa/Csb) is characterized by dry summers and mild, wet winters. Central Spain shares the dry summer feature but has colder winters than typical coastal Mediterranean regions, exhibiting continental traits.
Other options are incorrect. Subarctic is found at high latitudes. Subtropical Steppe (BSk) occurs in drier, often more southerly parts of Spain. Humid continental (Dfa/Dfb) is characterized by significant precipitation throughout the year or a less pronounced dry summer than observed in central Spain.

39. Which one of the following groups of cities does not have Sclerophyll

Which one of the following groups of cities does not have Sclerophyll as its natural vegetation cover?

Valparaiso and Cape Town
Lisbon and Perth
Los Angeles and Adelaide
Las Vegas and Queensland
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UPSC CDS-1 – 2020
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The correct answer is D) Las Vegas and Queensland.
Sclerophyll vegetation, characterized by hard, leathery leaves adapted to reduce water loss, is typical of Mediterranean climates (dry summers, mild wet winters). Cities in Mediterranean climate regions include Valparaiso (Chile), Cape Town (South Africa), Lisbon (Portugal), Perth (Australia – SW), Los Angeles (USA – California), and Adelaide (Australia – S). Las Vegas (USA) is located in a desert climate (Mojave Desert), and its natural vegetation is characterized by xerophytes like cacti and Joshua trees, not sclerophyll forests or shrublands. Queensland (Australia) has a predominantly tropical and subtropical climate, with vegetation ranging from rainforests and savannas to dry woodlands, but not widespread sclerophyll shrublands characteristic of Mediterranean regions.
Mediterranean climates are found on the western coasts of continents between approximately 30° and 45° latitude. Sclerophyllous plants are an evolutionary adaptation to survive the long, hot, dry summers and prevent excessive transpiration.

40. Which of the following statements regarding Mediterranean and Monsoon

Which of the following statements regarding Mediterranean and Monsoon climate is / are correct ?

  • 1. Precipitation in Mediterranean climate is in winter while in Monsoon climate it is mostly in summer
  • 2. The annual range of temperature in Mediterranean climate is higher than the Monsoon climate
  • 3. Rainy and dry seasons are found in both the climates

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2016
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Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is generally incorrect.
Statement 1 accurately describes the seasonal distribution of precipitation in Mediterranean (winter) and Monsoon (mostly summer) climates. Statement 3 correctly notes the presence of distinct rainy and dry seasons in both climate types, although the timing differs. Statement 2 is not a reliable generalization; while the annual temperature range can vary within both climate types depending on location (coastal vs. continental), Mediterranean coastal areas often have a lower annual range compared to many continental monsoon regions due to the moderating influence of the sea.
Mediterranean climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Monsoon climate, particularly the tropical monsoon, is characterized by heavy rainfall in the summer months following a dry period, and a relatively dry winter. Both climates exhibit seasonality in precipitation, but the wet season occurs at opposite times of the year relative to summer.
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