UPSC Climatology Previous Year Questions

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, whereas poleward while crossing the oceans. Statement II: In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. ABoth Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
2. BBoth Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
3. CStatement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
4. DStatement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

What is sea surface temperature rise? How does it affect the formation of tropical cyclones? (Answer in 150 words)

What is the phenomenon of 'cloudbursts'? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)

What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico? (Answer in 250 words)

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The atmosphere is heated more by incoming solar radiation than by terrestrial radiation.
Statement-II: Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are good absorbers of long-wave radiation.
Which one of the following is correct?

1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
3. CStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
4. DStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Thickness of the troposphere at the equator is much greater as compared to the poles.
Statement-II: At the equator, heat is transported to great heights by strong convectional currents.
Which one of the following is correct?

1. ABoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.
2. BBoth Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I.
3. CStatement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
4. DStatement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.

Which of the following are correct inferences from isothermal maps in January?
1. Isotherms deviate northward over the ocean and southward over the continent.
2. Cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift, make the North Atlantic colder and bend isotherms northward.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A1 only
2. B2 only
3. CBoth 1 and 2
4. DNeither 1 nor 2

With reference to water vapour, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It is a gas whose amount decreases with altitude.
2. Its percentage is maximum at the poles.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A1 only
2. B2 only
3. CBoth 1 and 2
4. DNeither 1 nor 2

Consider the following description:
1. Annual and daily ranges of temperatures are low.
2. Precipitation occurs throughout the year.
3. Precipitation varies between 50 cm and 250 cm.
What type of climate is described?

1. AEquatorial climate
2. BChina-type climate
3. CHumid subtropical climate
4. DMarine West Coast climate

With reference to the Coriolis force, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.
2. It is maximum at the poles and absent at the equator.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A1 only
2. B2 only
3. CBoth 1 and 2
4. DNeither 1 nor 2

On June 21 every year, which of the following latitudes experience sunlight for more than 12 hours?
1. Equator
2. Tropic of Cancer
3. Tropic of Capricorn
4. Arctic Circle
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A1 only
2. B2 only
3. C3 and 4
4. D2 and 4