.

Test is part of Rau’s IAS Test series for Preliminary Exam 202 3

Test ID
GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER–I)
1024

WORLD GEOGRAPHY-2
Time Allowed: 1 Hour Maximum Marks: 100

INSTRUCTIONS

1. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXAMINATION, YOU SHOULD CHECK

THAT THIS TEST BOOKLET DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNPRINTED OR TORN or MISSING PAGES OR
ITEMS, ETC. IF SO, GET IT REPLACED BY A COMPLETE TEST BOOKLET.

2. This Test Booklet contains 50 items (questions). Each item is printed in English Only. Each item
comprises four responses (answers). You will select the response which you want to mark on the
Answer Sheet. In case you feel that there is more than one correct response, mark the response
which you consider the best. In any case, choose ONLY ONE response for each item.

3. You have to mark all your responses ONLY on the separate Answer Sheet (OMR sheet) provided.
Read the directions in the Answer Sheet.

4. All items carry equal marks.

5. Before you proceed to mark in the Answer Sheet the response to various items in the Test booklet,
you have to fill in some particulars in the Answer Sheet as per instructions contained therein.

6. After you have completed filling in all your responses on the Answer Sheet and the examination has
concluded, you should hand over to the Invigilator only the Answer Sheet. You are permitted to
take away with you the Test Booklet.

7. Penalty for wrong answers:

THERE WILL BE PENALTY FOR WRONG ANSWERS MARKED BY A CANDIDATE IN THE

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTION PAPERS.

(i) There are four alternatives for the answer to every question. For each question for which a
wrong answer has been given by the candidate, one-third of the marks assigned to that
question will be deducted as penalty.

(ii) If a candidate gives more than one answer, it will be treated as a wrong answer even if one of
the given answers happens to be correct and there will be same penalty as above to that
question.

(iii) If a question is left blank, i.e., no answer is given by the candidate, there will be no penalty for
that question.

This test is part of Rau’s IAS Test series for Preliminary Exam 202 3
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1. Consider the following pairs: Which of the statements given above are
S.N. Grasslands Region correct?

1. Prairie North America (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

2. Veld Australia (b) 1 and 4 only

3. Down South Africa (c) 2 and 3 only
4. Steppe Central Asia (d) 2, 3 and 4 only
How many pairs given above is/are
correctly matched?
4. With reference to the layers of the
(a) Only one pair
atmosphere, consider the following
(b) Only two pairs statements:
(c) Only three pairs
1. The thickness of the troposphere is
(d) All four pairs
greater at the Poles, as compared to the
Equator.
2. With reference to the gases in the
2. The temperature in the tropospheric
atmosphere, consider the following
statements: layer decreases with increase in height.
1. The majority of the total mass of the 3. The zone separating the troposphere
atmosphere lies above the height of 50 from the stratosphere is known as the
km from the Earth’s surface. stratopause.
2. Carbon dioxide is opaque to the Which of the statements given above are
incoming solar radiation, but incorrect?
transparent to the outgoing terrestrial
radiation. (a) 1 and 2 only
3. Ozone acts as a filter and absorbs the (b) 2 and 3 only
ultra-violet rays radiating from the Sun. (c) 1 and 3 only
Which of the statements given above are
(d) 1, 2 and 3
incorrect?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only 5. With reference to the layers of the
(c) 1 and 3 only atmosphere, consider the following
(d) 1, 2 and 3 statements:
1. In the mesosphere, the temperature
3. With reference to water vapour and dust starts decreasing with the increase in
particles in the atmosphere, consider the the altitude.
following statements:
2. The uppermost layer of the atmosphere,
1. The concentration of water vapour
above the thermosphere, is known as
increases from the Equator towards the
the exosphere.
Poles.
2. Water vapour contributes to the Which of the statements given above is/are
stability and instability in the air. correct?
3. Dust particles are generally (a) 1 only
concentrated in the lower layers of the
(b) 2 only
atmosphere.
4. The higher concentration of dust (c) Both 1 and 2
particles is found in the tropical and (d) Neither 1 nor 2
polar regions.

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6. With reference to solar radiation, consider 9. With reference to heating and cooling of the
the following statements: atmosphere, consider the following
1. The Earth’s surface receives most of its statements:
energy in long wavelengths. 1. The process through which the lower
layers of the Earth’s atmosphere get
2. During its revolution around the Sun,
heated by the terrestrial radiation is
the farthest distance between the Sun
called ‘convection’.
and the Earth is called perihelion.
2. This process of vertical heating of the
Which of the statements given above is/are atmosphere due to currents is known
correct? as ‘conduction’.
(a) 1 only 3. The transfer of heat through horizontal
(b) 2 only movement of the air is called
‘advection’.
(c) Both 1 and 2
Which of the statements given above are
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
incorrect?
(a) 1 and 2 only
7. With reference to the variability of (b) 2 and 3 only
insolation at the surface of the Earth, (c) 1 and 3 only
consider the following statements:
(d) 1, 2 and 3
1. The length of the day is a major factor
which affects the intensity of insolation 10. Which of the following are the factors that
that the Earth receives. influence the temperature distribution on
2. Higher latitudes receive less amount of the Earth’s surface?
insolation, due to the lower angle of 1. Latitude of the place.
inclination of the Sun’s rays. 2. Altitude of the place.
Which of the statements given above is/are 3. Air mass circulation.
correct? 4. Distance from the sea.
(a) 1 only 5. The presence of warm and cold ocean
(b) 2 only currents.
(c) Both 1 and 2 Select the correct answer using the code
given below:
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(b) 2, 4 and 5 only
8. With reference to the spatial distribution of
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
insolation at the Earth’s surface, consider
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
the following statements:
1. The maximum insolation is received
11. Consider the following statements:
over the sub-tropical deserts, where the
1. The Earth receives insolation in short-
cloudiness is the least.
wave form and radiates back energy to
2. At the same latitude, the insolation is the atmosphere in long-wave form.
more over the continents, than over the 2. The long-wave radiation is absorbed by
oceans. the atmospheric gases, particularly by
Which of the statements given above is/are carbon dioxide.
correct? Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) 1 only correct?
(b) 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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12. Consider the following statements about 15. Which of the following statements are
the inversion of temperature: correct regarding the global rainfall?
1. During the inversion of temperature, as 1. Between the latitudes 35 degrees and
elevation increases, the temperature 40 degrees N and S of the Equator, the
will increase. rain is heavier on the eastern coasts.
2. Temperature inversion takes place due 2. Wherever the mountains run
to air drainage in the valleys of the perpendicular to the coast, the rain is
mountains. greater on the coastal plain, on the
3. Over the polar areas, temperature windward side and it decreases towards
inversion is normal throughout the the leeward side.
year. 3. In some regions, rainfall is distributed
Which of the statements given above is/are evenly throughout the year.
correct? Select the correct answer using the code
(a) 1 only given below:
(b) 2 and 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (b) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
13. The “Milankovitch Oscillations” are related
to which of the following? 16. Which of the following statements is/are
(a) The opening and closing of the Ozone correct?
Hole in the stratosphere. 1. Orographic rainfall is characterised by
(b) Reversals in the sea surface thunder and lightning.
temperatures in the Pacific Ocean at the 2. Convectional rainfall leads to heavy
east and the west coasts. precipitation on the leeward side of the
(c) Periodic occurring of the Sun Spots, mountains.
leading to maxima and minima of solar Select the correct answer using the code
insolation. given below:
(d) The wobbling motion of the Earth due (a) 1 only
to the variation in the orbital (b) 2 only
characteristics. (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
14. Which of the following statements is/are
correct regarding the Koeppen’s Scheme of
17. Consider the following pairs:
Climatic Classification?
1. Sleet: Precipitation below 0 degree
1. Temperature, precipitation and natural
Celsius
vegetation are the main factors of his
2. Hail: Frozen raindrops and refrozen
classification.
melted snow-water
2. Dfc type climate is found in India’s state
3. Snow: Small rounded solid pieces of ice
of Arunachal Pradesh.
Which of the pairs given above is/are
Select the correct answer using the code
correctly matched?
given below:
(a) 1 only
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) None of the above.
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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18. Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are
1. The percentage of moisture present in correct?
the atmosphere, as compared to its full (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
capacity at a given temperature, is (b) 2, 3 and 4 only
known as the Absolute Humidity.
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
2. The air containing moisture to its full
(d) 1, 3 and 4 only
capacity at a given temperature is said
to be saturated.
21. Consider the following pairs:
3. The temperature at which saturation
occurs in a given sample of air is known S.N. Type of Characteristics
as the mist point. cloud
Which of the statements given above is/are 1. Cirrus They are thin and
correct? detached clouds having
(a) 1 and 2 only a feathery
(b) 2 and 3 only appearance.
(c) 2 only 2. Cumulus These clouds are
(d) 3 only formed at high
altitudes (8,000 -
19. Consider the following statements: 12,000 m).
1. Condensation takes place when the 3. Stratus These clouds are
moist air comes in contact with some generally formed either
colder object. due to loss of heat or
2. The greater the movement of air, the the mixing of the air
lesser is the evaporation. masses with different
3. Condensation is influenced by the temperatures.
volume of air, temperature, pressure 4. Nimbus These are extremely
and humidity. dense and opaque to
Which of the statements given above is/are the rays of the Sun.
incorrect?
(a) 1 only How many pairs given above is/are
correctly matched?
(b) 2 and 3 only
(a) Only one pair
(c) 2 only
(b) Only two pairs
(d) 1 and 3 only
(c) Only three pairs

20. Consider the following statements: (d) All four pairs

1. For the formation of dew, it is necessary
that the dew point is above the freezing 22. Consider the following pairs:
point. S.N. Tribe Region
2. Frost forms on cold surfaces when 1. Bindibu Arab
condensation takes place below the
freezing point (0°C), i.e., the dew point 2. Bedouin Australia
is at or below the freezing point. 3. Bushmen Kalahari
3. Fogs are mini clouds in which
How many pairs given above are correctly
condensation takes place around the
matched?
nuclei provided by dust, smoke and salt
particles. (a) Only one pair
4. The only difference between mist and (b) Only two pairs
fog is that fog contains more moisture (c) All three pairs
than mist. (d) None of the above

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23. In which of the following places the 26. Consider the following pairs:
Mediterranean Climate is found? 1. Beaufort Scale Volcanoes
1. Adelaide
2. Mercalli Scale Earthquakes
2. California
3. Saffir-Simpson Scale Cyclones
3. Central Chile
Select the correct answer using the code 4. Fujita Scale Tsunamis
given below: How many pairs given above is/are
(a) 1 and 2 only correctly matched?
(b) 2 and 3 only (a) Only one pair
(c) 1 and 3 only (b) Only two pairs
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) Only three pairs
(d) All four pairs
24. Consider the following pairs:
S.N. Local Feature 27. Consider the following statements about
wind the Coriolis Force:
1. Sirocco This is a hot, dry dusty 1. The Coriolis Force is present because
wind, which originates in the speed of rotation of the Earth at the
the Sahara Desert. Equator is much higher than that at the
Poles.
2. Mistral It is a cold wind from the
2. The intensity of the Coriolis Force is the
north, rushing down the
highest at the Equator and the lowest at
Rhone Valley in violent
the Poles.
gusts.
3. The Coriolis Force does not depend on
3. Bora It is a type of cold north-
the speed with which the object is
easterly wind
travelling.
experienced along the
Which of the statements given above is/are
Adriatic coast.
correct?
How many pairs given above is/are (a) 1 only
correctly matched? (b) 2 and 3 only
(a) Only one pair (c) 1 and 3 only
(b) Only two pairs (d) 1, 2 and 3
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the above 28. Consider the following statements about
the Tropical Cyclones:
25. Which of the following come under the 1. The tropical cyclones have their
Tropical Grasslands? strongest winds near the tropopause.
1. Campos 2. The tropical cyclones have little or no
2. Pampas horizontal temperature difference
Select the correct answer using the code across the storm.
given below: Which of the statements given above is/are
(a) 1 only correct?
(b) 2 only (a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2 (b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

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29. Consider the following statements about 32. Which of the following statements are
the Extra-Tropical Cyclones: correct about Siberian Climate?
1. They form due to the horizontal 1. The predominant vegetation of the
temperature differences that exist in the Siberian type of climate is evergreen
atmosphere. coniferous forest.
2. Extra-tropical cyclones are ‘warm-core’ 2. It stretches in a continuous belt across
in the stratosphere and ‘cold-core’ in North America, Europe and Asia.
the troposphere.
3. The Siberian Climate is absent in the
Which of the statements given above is/are southern hemisphere.
correct?
Select the correct answer using the code
(a) 1 only
given below:
(b) 2 only
(a) 1 and 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
30. Consider the following statements about
the Air Masses:
1. Air with distinctive characteristics in 33. Which of the following statements is/are
terms of temperature and humidity is correct?
called an air mass. 1. Blizzards and Buran are polar winds.
2. Tropical air masses form in low-latitude 2. The interiors of the Eurasian continent
areas and are moderately warm. are so remote from maritime influence
3. Maritime air masses are humid, while that annual precipitation cannot be
continental air masses are dry. high.
Which of the statements given above are Select the correct answer using the code
correct? given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

31. Consider the following statements about 34. Consider the following statements about
Fronts: distribution of temperature:
1. If an air mass is fully lifted above the
1. In the northern hemisphere, the
land surface, it is called the occluded
isotherms are more parallel to the
front.
latitudes as compared to the southern
2. In an occluded air mass, two warm air hemisphere.
masses approach towards cold air
2. During winters, isotherms deviate
mass.
towards north over the oceans in the
3. Fronts usually occur in the equatorial
Northern Hemisphere.
regions.
Which of the statements given above is/are
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
correct?
(a) 1 only (a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

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35. Consider the following statements: 38. Which of the following regions of the world
1. Air rises from equator to the experience the hot, wet equatorial climate?
troposphere in the equatorial zones due 1. Kenyan Highlands in East Africa
to excessive heating.
2. Cameron Highlands in Malaysia
2. Westerlies flow between from the
3. Northern Andes
equatorial region to the poles.
4. Lowlands of the Amazon
3. Above the poles, there is always high
pressure. Select the correct answer using the code
Which of the statements given above is/are given below:
correct? (a) 4 only
(a) 1 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2 and 3

39. With respect to “Equatorial vegetation”,

36. Consider the following statements: consider the following statements:
1. The total amount of heat received from
1. Unlike the temperate regions, the
the Sun is returned to space.
growing season here is all the year
2. The earth receives heat by long wave
round.
radiation from Sun, however, cools by
short wave radiation. 2. The trees of the tropical rain forests are
not found in pure stands of a single
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct? species.

(a) 1 only Which of the statements given above is/are

(b) 2 only correct?
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
37. Which of the following pairs are correctly (d) Neither 1 nor 2
matched?
S.N. Strait Located between 40. Which among the following crops have been
1. Bering Asia and North found suitable for the hot, wet equatorial
Strait America climate and extensively cultivated?
2. Bass Strait Mainland Australia 1. Pineapple
and Tasmania 2. Cocoa
3. Kerch Canada and USA 3. Tobacco
Strait 4. Sago
Select the correct answer using the code Select the correct answer using the code
given below: given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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41. With respect to “Tropical Monsoon Forests”, 44. Consider the following statements:
consider the following statements: 1. The Hausa are a nomadic tribe of the
1. The absence of shade is a distinct central highlands in Kenya, Tanzania
feature of Tropical Monsoon Forests. and Uganda.
2. Forests yield valuable timber like sal 2. The Masai are a tribe of settled
and acacia. cultivators who inhabit the savanna
Which of the statements given above is/are lands in Nigeria.
correct? 3. The Hausa do not practise shifting
(a) 1 only cultivation as many tribes do.
(b) 2 only Which of the statements given above is/are
(c) Both 1 and 2 incorrect?
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
42. Consider the following pairs: (c) 2 and 3 only
S.N. Vegetation Region (d) 1, 2 and 3
1. Llanos Brazilian
Highlands 45. The Adriatic Sea is bounded by which of
2. Australian North of the the following countries?
savanna Tropic of 1. Croatia
Capricorn 2. Italy
Which of the pairs given above is/are 3. Albania
correctly matched? 4. Spain
(a) 1 only Select the correct answer using the code
(b) 2 only given below:
(c) Both 1 and 2 (a) 1 and 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 (b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
43. With respect to “The North-East Trades in (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
West Africa”, consider the following
statements:
46. With respect to “Savanna landscape”,
1. It blow off-shore from the Sahara Desert
consider the following statements:
and reach the Guinea coast.
1. It is typified by long trees and short
2. It provides a relief from the damp air of
grass.
the Guinea lands by decreasing the rate
of evaporation. 2. The trees are deciduous.

3. It is dust-laden wind, called locally the 3. Trees have broad trunks, with water-
Harmattan. storing devices to survive through the
Which of the statements given above is/are prolonged drought.
correct? Which of the statements given above are
(a) 1 only correct?
(b) 1 and 3 only (a) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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47. The Black Sea is bounded by which of the 49. Which of the following is/are cold
following countries? current(s)?
1. Romania 1. Kuroshio Current
2. Ukraine 2. Oya shio Current
3. Turkey 3. Florida Current
Select the correct answer using the code Select the correct answer using the code
given below: given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

48. Which of the following countries touches 50. Equator passes through which of the
the Red Sea? following countries?
1. Egypt 1. Indonesia
2. Sudan 2. Colombia
3. Libya 3. Somalia
Select the correct answer using the code Select the correct answer using the code
given below: given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only (a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3

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Answers &
Explanations
of

TEST ID: 1024

GENERAL STUDIES (PAPER–I)

World Geography-2

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ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS OF
World Geography-2
GS Paper-I: (1024)

1. Answer: (b) acts as a filter, and absorbs the ultra-

Explanation: violet rays radiating from the Sun and
Temperate Grasslands prevents them from reaching the
surface of the Earth.
Argentina : Pampas
North America : Prairie
3. Answer: (c)
South Africa : Veld
Explanation:
Central Asia : Steppe
 Water vapour is a variable gas in the
Australia : Down
atmosphere, which decreases with
altitude. In the warm and wet tropics, it
2. Answer: (a)
may account for 4% of the air by
Explanation: volume, while in the dry and cold areas
 Atmosphere is a mixture of different of the deserts and the Polar Regions; it
gases and it envelopes the Earth all may be less than 1% of the air. Water
round. It contains life-giving gases, like vapour also decreases from the
oxygen for the humans and the Equator towards the Poles. It also
animals, and carbon dioxide for the absorbs parts of the insolation from the
plants. The air is an integral part of the Sun and preserves the Earth’s radiated
Earth’s mass and 99% of the total heat. It thus, acts like a blanket,
mass of the atmosphere is confined allowing the Earth neither to become
to the height of 32 km from the too cold nor too hot. Water vapour also
Earth’s surface. The air is colourless contributes to the stability and
and odourless, and can be felt only instability in the air.
when it blows as wind.  Atmosphere has a sufficient capacity to
 Carbon dioxide is meteorologically a keep small solid particles, which may
very important gas, as it is originate from different sources and
transparent to the incoming solar include sea salts, fine soil, smoke-soot,
radiation, but opaque to the outgoing ash, pollen, dust and disintegrated
terrestrial radiation. It absorbs a part particles of the meteors. Dust particles
of the terrestrial radiation and reflects are generally concentrated in the lower
some part of it towards the Earth’s layers of the atmosphere; yet
surface. It is largely responsible for the convectional air currents may transport
greenhouse effect. them to great heights. The higher
 The volume of other gases is constant, concentration of dust particles is
but the volume of carbon dioxide has found in the sub-tropical and
been rising in the past few decades, temperate regions, due to dry winds,
mainly because of the burning of the in comparison to the Equatorial and
fossil fuels. This has also increased the Polar regions. Dust and salt particles
temperature of the air. Ozone is another act as hygroscopic nuclei, around which
important component of the water vapour condenses to produce
atmosphere, found between 10 km and clouds.
50 km above the Earth’s surface and

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4. Answer: (c) charged particles, known as ions, and
Explanation: hence, it is known as ionosphere. Radio
 The troposphere is the lower-most layer waves transmitted from the Earth are
of the atmosphere. Its average height is reflected back to the Earth by this layer.
13 km and it extends roughly to a Temperature here starts increasing with
height of 8 km near the Poles and about height. The upper-most layer of the
18 km at the Equator. The thickness atmosphere, above the thermosphere, is
of the troposphere is the greatest at known as the exosphere. This is the
the Equator, because heat is highest layer, but very little is known
transported to great heights by strong about it. Whatever contents are there,
convectional currents. This layer these are extremely rarefied in this layer
contains dust particles and water and it gradually merges with the outer
vapour. All changes in the climate and space.
the weather take place in this layer. The
temperature in this layer decreases at 6. Answer: (d)
the rate of 1° C for every 165 m of Explanation:
height. This is the most important layer  The Earth’s surface receives most of
for all biological activities. its energy in short wavelengths. The
 The zone separating the troposphere energy received by the Earth is known
from the stratosphere is known as as incoming solar radiation, which, in
the tropopause. The air temperature at short, is termed as insolation. As the
the tropopause is about minus 80 Earth is a geoid resembling a sphere,
degree C over the Equator and about the Sun’s rays fall obliquely at the top
minus 45 degrees Celsius over the of the atmosphere and the Earth
Poles. The temperature here is nearly intercepts a very small portion of the
constant, and hence, it is called the Sun’s energy. On an average, the Earth
tropopause. The stratosphere is found receives 1.94 calories per sq. cm. per
above the tropopause and extends up to minute at the top of its atmosphere.
a height of 50 km. One important  The solar output received at the top of
feature of the stratosphere is that it the atmosphere varies slightly in a year,
contains the ozone layer. This layer due to the variations in the distance
absorbs ultra-violet radiation and between the Earth and the Sun. During
shields life on the Earth from intense its revolution around the Sun, the
and harmful form of energy. Earth is the farthest from the Sun
(152 million km) on 4th July. This
5. Answer: (c) position of the Earth is called
Explanation: ‘aphelion’. On 3rd January, the Earth
 The mesosphere lies above the is the nearest to the Sun (147 million
stratosphere, which extends up to a km). This position is called
height of 80 km. In this layer, once ‘perihelion’. Therefore, the annual
again, the temperature starts insolation received by the Earth on 3rd
decreasing with the increase in altitude January is slightly more than the
and reaches up to minus 100° C at the amount received on 4th July. However,
height of 80 km. The upper limit of the the effect of this variation in the solar
mesosphere is known as the output is masked by other factors, like
mesopause. The ionosphere is located the distribution of land and sea, and
between 80 km and 400 km above the the atmospheric circulation. Hence, this
mesopause. It contains electrically variation in the solar output does not

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have great effect on the daily weather Tropics. Generally, at the same latitude,
changes on the surface of the Earth. the insolation is more over the continents,
than over the oceans. In winters, the
7. Answer: (c) middle and the higher latitudes receive less
radiation than in summers.
Explanation:
The amount and the intensity of insolation
vary during a day, in a season and in a 9. Answer: (a)
year. The factors that cause these Explanation:
variations in insolation are:  There are different ways of heating and
(i) The rotation of the Earth on its axis; cooling of the atmosphere. The Earth,
(ii) The angle of inclination of the Sun’s after being heated by insolation,
rays; transmits the heat to the atmospheric
layers, near to the Earth, in long-wave
(iii) The length of the day;
form. The air in contact with the land
(iv) The transparency of the atmosphere;
gets heated slowly and the upper layers
and
in contact with the lower layers also get
(v) The configuration of land in terms of its
heated. This process is called
aspect.
‘conduction’. Conduction takes place
The last two, however, have less influence. when two bodies of unequal
The fact that the Earth’s axis makes an temperature are in contact with one
angle of 66½ with the plain of its orbit another; there is a flow of energy
round the Sun has a greater influence on from the warmer to the cooler body.
the amount of insolation received at The transfer of heat continues until
different latitudes. The second factor that both the bodies attain the same
determines the amount of insolation temperature or the contact is broken.
received is the angle of inclination of the Conduction is important in heating
rays. This depends on the latitude of a the lower layers of the atmosphere.
place. The higher the latitude, the less is  The air in contact with the Earth
the angle they make with the surface of the rises vertically on heating in the
Earth, resulting in slant Sun rays. The area form of currents and further
covered by the vertical rays is always less transmits the heat of the
than the slant rays. If more area is covered, atmosphere. This process of vertical
the energy gets distributed and the net heating of the atmosphere is known
energy received per unit area decreases. as ‘convection’. The convective
Moreover, the slant rays are required to transfer of energy is confined only to
pass through greater depth of the the troposphere.
atmosphere, resulting in more absorption,
 The transfer of heat through horizontal
scattering and diffusion.
movement of the air is called
‘advection’. The horizontal movement of
8. Answer: (c) the air is relatively more important than
Explanation: the vertical movement. In the middle
The insolation received at the surface varies latitudes, most of the diurnal (day and
from about 320 Watt/m2 in the Tropics to night) variations in daily weather are
about 70 Watt/m2 in the Poles. The caused by advection alone. In the
maximum insolation is received over the tropical regions, particularly in
sub-tropical deserts, where the cloudiness northern India, during the summer
is the least. The Equator receives season, local wind, called ‘loo’, is the
comparatively less insolation than the outcome of the advection process.

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10. Answer: (d) 11. Answer: (c)
Explanation: Explanation:
The temperature of air at any place is  The insolation received by the Earth is
influenced by: in short-wave form and heats up its
(i) The latitude of the place; (ii) The altitude surface. The Earth, after being heated
of the place; (iii) Distance from the sea; (iv) itself, becomes a radiating body and it
The air-mass circulation; (v) The presence radiates energy to the atmosphere in
of warm and cold ocean currents; and (vi) long-wave form. This energy heats up
Local aspects. the atmosphere from below. This
Latitude: The temperature of a place process is known as the ‘terrestrial
depends on the insolation received. It has radiation’.
been explained earlier that the insolation  The long-wave radiation is absorbed by
varies according to the latitude, hence, the the atmospheric gases, particularly by
temperature also varies accordingly. carbon dioxide and other greenhouse
Altitude: The atmosphere is indirectly gases. Thus, the atmosphere is
heated by terrestrial radiation from below. indirectly heated by the Earth’s
Therefore, the places near the sea-level radiation. The atmosphere, in turn,
record higher temperature, than the places radiates and transmits heat to the
situated at higher elevations. In other space. Finally, the amount of heat
words, the temperature generally decreases received from the Sun is returned to the
with increasing height. The rate of decrease space, thereby maintaining constant
of temperature with height is termed as the temperature at the Earth’s surface and
Normal Lapse Rate. It is 6.5°C per 1,000 m. in the atmosphere.
Distance from the sea: Another factor that
influences the temperature is the location 12. Answer: (d)
of a place with respect to the sea. Explanation:
Compared to the land, the sea gets heated Normally, the temperature decreases with
slowly and loses heat slowly. The land increase in elevation. It is called the
heats up and cools down quickly. ‘Normal Lapse Rate’. At times, the situation
Therefore, the variation in temperature over is reversed and the Normal Lapse Rate is
the sea is less compared to the land. The inverted. It is called the ‘Inversion of
places situated near the sea come under Temperature’. Inversion is usually of short
the moderating influence of the sea and the duration, but quite common, nonetheless.
land breezes which moderate the A long winter night with clear skies and
temperature. still air is an ideal situation for inversion.
Air mass and ocean currents: Like the The heat of the day is radiated off during
land and sea breezes, the passage of air the night and by early morning hours; the
masses also affects the temperature. The Earth is cooler than the air above. Over the
places, which come under the influence of polar areas, temperature inversion is
warm air masses, experience higher normal throughout the year.
temperature and the places that come Surface inversion promotes stability in the
under the influence of cold air masses, lower layers of the atmosphere. Smoke and
experience low temperature. Similarly, the dust particles get collected beneath the
places located on the coast, where the inversion layer and spread horizontally to
warm ocean currents flow, record higher fill the lower strata of the atmosphere.
temperature, than the places located on the Dense fogs in the mornings are common
coast where the cold currents flow. occurrences, especially during the winter
season. This inversion commonly lasts for a

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few hours, until the Sun comes up and climates. The climatic groups are
begins to warm the Earth. subdivided into types, designated by small
The inversion takes place in the hills and letters, based on seasonality of
the mountains due to air drainage. Cold air precipitation and temperature
at the hills and the mountains, produced characteristics. The seasons of dryness are
during night, flows under the influence of indicated by the small letters: f, m, w and
gravity. Being heavy and dense, the cold air s, where f corresponds to no dry season, m
acts almost like water and moves down the - monsoon climate, w- winter dry season
slope to pile up deeply in the pockets and and s - summer dry season. The small
the valley bottoms with warm air above. letters a, b, c and d refer to the degree of
This is called air drainage. It protects the severity of temperature. The B-Dry
plants from frost damages. Climates are sub-divided using the capital
letters S for steppe or semi-arid and W for
deserts.
13. Answer: (d)
Dfc type climate is found in India’s state of
Explanation:
Arunachal Pradesh.
The Milankovitch Oscillations infer
cycles in the variations in the Earth’s
orbital characteristics around the Sun, 15. Answer: (b)
the wobbling of the Earth and the Explanation:
changes in the Earth’s axial tilt. All these Different places on the Earth’s surface
alter the amount of insolation received from receive different amounts of rainfall in a
the Sun, which, in turn, might have a year and that too in different seasons. In
bearing on the climate. general, as we proceed from the Equator
towards the Poles, the rainfall goes on
14. Answer: (c) decreasing steadily.
Explanation: The coastal areas of the world receive
greater amounts of rainfall, than the
The most widely used classification of the
interior of the continents. The rainfall is
climate is the Empirical Climate
more over the oceans, than on the
Classification Scheme, developed by V.
landmasses of the world, because of being
Koeppen. Koeppen identified a close
great sources of water. Between the
relationship between the distribution of
latitudes 35 degrees and 40 degrees N and
vegetation and climate. He selected certain
S of the Equator, the rain is heavier on the
values of temperature and precipitation,
eastern coasts and goes on decreasing
and related them to the distribution of
towards the west. But, between 45 degrees
vegetation and used these values for
and 65 degrees N and S of the Equator, due
classifying the climates. It is an empirical
to the westerlies, the rainfall is first
classification based on mean annual and
received on the western margins of the
mean monthly temperature and
continents and it goes on decreasing
precipitation data. He introduced the use of
towards the east.
capital and small letters to designate
climatic groups and types. Although Wherever the mountains run parallel to
developed in 1918 and modified over a the coast, the rain is greater on the
period of time, Koeppen’s Scheme is still coastal plain, on the windward side and
popular and in use. Koeppen recognised it decreases towards the leeward side.
five major climatic groups; four of them are On the basis of the total amount of annual
based on temperature and one on precipitation, major precipitation regimes of
precipitation. The capital letters: A, C, D the world are identified as follows:
and E delineate humid climates and B dry The equatorial belt, the windward slopes of

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the mountains, along the western coasts in receive greater rainfall. After giving rain on
the cool temperate zone and the coastal the windward side, when these winds reach
areas of the monsoon land, receive heavy the other slope, they descend and their
rainfall of over 200 cm per annum. temperature rises. Then their capacity to
The interior continental areas receive take in moisture increases and hence,
moderate rainfall, varying from 100 - 200 these leeward slopes remain rainless and
cm per annum. The coastal areas of the dry. The area situated on the leeward
continents receive moderate amount of side, which gets less rainfall, is known
rainfall. The central parts of the tropical as the rain-shadow area. It is also known
land, and the eastern and the interior parts as the relief rain.
of the temperate lands receive rainfall
varying between 50 - 100 cm per annum. 17. Answer: (d)
The areas lying in the rain shadow zone of Explanation:
the interior of the continents and high The process of continuous condensation in
latitudes receive very low rainfall, less than free air helps the condensed particles to
50 cm per annum. Seasonal distribution of grow in size. When the resistance of the air
rainfall provides an important aspect to fails to hold them against the force of
judge its effectiveness. In some regions, the gravity, they fall onto the Earth’s surface.
rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the So, after the condensation of water vapour,
year, such as in the Equatorial Belt and in the release of moisture is known as
the western parts of the cool temperate precipitation. This may take place in liquid
regions. or solid form.
The precipitation in the form of water is
16. Answer: (d) called rainfall. When the temperature is
Explanation: lower than 0 degree C, precipitation
On the basis of origin, rainfall may be takes place in the form of fine flakes of
classified into three main types – snow and is called snowfall. Moisture is
convectional; orographic or relief; and released in the form of hexagonal crystals.
cyclonic or frontal. These crystals form flakes of snow. Besides
Convectional Rain: The air, on being rain and snow, other forms of precipitation
heated, becomes light and rises up in are sleet and hail, though the latter is
convection currents. As it rises, it expands limited in occurrence and is sporadic in
and loses heat and, consequently, both time and space.
condensation takes place and cumulous Sleet is frozen raindrops and refrozen
clouds are formed. With thunder and melted snow-water. When a layer of air,
lightning, heavy rainfall takes place, but with the temperature above the freezing
this does not last long. Such rain is point, overlies a sub-freezing layer near the
common in the summer or in the hotter ground, precipitation takes place in the
part of the day. It is very common in the form of sleet. Raindrops, which leave the
Equatorial regions and the interior parts of warmer air, encounter the colder air below.
the continents, particularly in the northern As a result, they solidify and reach the
hemisphere. ground as small pellets of ice, not bigger
Orographic Rain: When the saturated air than the raindrops from which they are
mass comes across a mountain, it is forced formed.
to ascend and as it rises, it expands; the Sometimes, the drops of rain, after being
temperature falls and the moisture is released by the clouds, become solidified
condensed. The chief characteristic of this into small rounded solid pieces of ice
sort of rain is that the windward slopes and which reach the surface of the

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Earth, are called hailstones. These are Condensation takes place:
formed by the rainwater passing through (i) when the temperature of the air is
the colder layers. Hailstones have several reduced to dew point with its volume
concentric layers of ice, one over the other. remaining constant;
(ii) when both the volume and the
18. Answer: (c) temperature are reduced;
Explanation: (iii) when moisture is added to the air
The actual amount of water vapour through evaporation. However, the most
present in the atmosphere is known as favourable condition for condensation is
the ‘Absolute Humidity’. It is the weight the decrease in air temperature.
of water vapour per unit volume of air and Evaporation is a process by which water is
is expressed in terms of grams per cubic transformed from liquid to gaseous state.
metre. The ability of the air to hold water Heat is the main cause for evaporation. The
vapour depends entirely on its temperature at which the water starts
temperature. The absolute humidity differs evaporating is referred to as the latent heat
from place to place on the surface of the of vapourisation.
Earth. Increase in temperature increases water
The percentage of moisture present in absorption and retention capacity of the
the atmosphere, as compared to its full given parcel of air. Similarly, if the moisture
capacity at a given temperature, is content is low, air has a potentiality of
known as the ‘Relative Humidity’. With absorbing and retaining moisture. The
the change of air temperature, the capacity movement of air replaces the saturated
to retain moisture increases or decreases layer with the unsaturated layer.
and the relative humidity is also affected. It Hence, the greater the movement of air,
is greater over the oceans and least over the greater is the evaporation.
the continents.
The air containing moisture to its full 20. Answer: (a)
capacity at a given temperature is said to
Explanation:
be saturated. It means that the air at the
The ideal conditions for dew formation are
given temperature is incapable of holding
clear sky, calm air, high relative humidity,
any additional amount of moisture at that
and cold and long nights. For the formation
stage.
of dew, it is necessary that the dew point is
The temperature at which saturation
above the freezing point.
occurs in a given sample of air is known
Frost forms on cold surfaces when
as the ‘dew point’.
condensation takes place below the freezing
point, i.e., the dew point is at or below the
19. Answer: (c) freezing point. Excess moisture is deposited
Explanation: in the form of minute ice crystals, instead
Condensation takes place when the moist of water droplets.
air comes in contact with some colder The only difference between mist and
object and it may also take place when the fog is that mist contains more moisture
temperature is close to the dew point. than fog.
Condensation, therefore, depends upon the In mist, each nuclei contains a thicker
amount of cooling and the relative humidity layer of moisture. Mists are frequent over
of the air. the mountains, as the rising warm air up
Condensation is influenced by the volume the slopes meets a cold surface. Fogs are
of air, temperature, pressure and humidity. drier than mist and they are prevalent

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where warm currents of air come in contact 23. Answer: (d)
with cold currents. Explanation:
Fogs are mini clouds in which The Warm Temperate Western Margin
condensation takes place around the nuclei Climate is found in relatively few areas in
provided by dust, smoke and salt particles. the world. They are entirely confined to the
western portion of the continental masses,
between 30° and 45° north and south of
21. Answer: (c)
the Equator. The basic cause of this type of
Explanation:
climate is the shifting of the wind bells.
Cirrus Clouds: These are formed at high
Though the area around the Mediterranean
altitudes (8,000 - 12,000 m). They are thin Sea has the greatest extent of this type of
and detached clouds having a feathery ‘winter rain climate', and gives rise to the
appearance. They are always white in more popular name, the Mediterranean
colour. Climate, the best developed form of this
Cumulus Clouds: These look like cotton peculiar climatic type is, in fact, found in
wool. They are generally formed at a Central Chile. Other Mediterranean
height of 4,000 - 7,000 m. They exist in regions include California (around San
patches and can be seen scattered here Francisco), the south-western tip of Africa
and there. They have a flat base. (around Cape Town), southern Australia (in
Stratus Clouds: As their name implies, southern Victoria and around Adelaide,
these are layered clouds covering large bordering the St. Vincent and Spencer
Gulfs), and south-west Australia
portions of the sky. These clouds are
(Swanland).
generally formed either due to the loss of
heat or the mixing of air masses with
different temperatures. 24. Answer: (c)
Nimbus Clouds: These are black or dark Explanation:
grey. These are extremely dense and Sirocco: This is a hot, dry dusty wind,
opaque to the rays of the Sun. which originates in the Sahara Desert. The
Sirocco is so prominent that it is called by
many other local names, such as Chili in
22. Answer: (a)
Tunisia, Ghibli in Libya, Leveche in Spain,
Explanation: Khamsin in Egypt and Malta. In the
The Bindibu or Aborigines of Australia Adriatic and Aegean Sea, this hot wind,
live in very much the same way as the better known as Gharbi, gathers much
Bushmen. They are lean and dark, but moisture causing fog, heavy dew and rain.
healthy. They are skilled trackers and some This may be ‘blood rain', because the wind
of them use wooden throwing sticks or is carrying the red dust of the Sahara
boomerangs and spears. Desert.
Like the wandering Bushmen, the Bindibu Mistral: In contrast, the Mistral is a cold
move in family groups in search of fresh wind from the north, rushing down the
hunting grounds. But one distinct Rhone Valley in violent gusts, between 40
difference is that they always stay close to a and 80 miles per hour.
water supply, as they still have not devised A similar type of cold north-easterly wind
a means of tapping and storing water. They experienced along the Adriatic coast is
live in wurlies, simple shelters made of called the Bora. Like the Mistral, it is
branches and tufts and grass. caused by a difference in pressure between
continental Europe and the Mediterranean.
This usually occurs in winters, when the

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atmospheric pressure over continental Tropical Grasslands
Europe is higher than that of the East Africa : Savanna
Mediterranean Sea. Brazil : Campos
Venezuela : Llanos
25. Answer: (a)
Explanation:

26. Answer: (b)

Explanation:
The Beaufort Scale, officially known as the Beaufort Wind Force Scale, is a descriptive
table. It depicts the force of the wind by a series of numbers, from 0 to 12. This was a
description of the effects such a wind would have on a sailing ship. Since the worst storm an
Atlantic sailor was likely to run into was a hurricane, that name was applied to the top force on
the scale.
Beaufort Wind Scale
Force 0 Calm
Force 1 Light Air
Force 2 Light Breeze
Force 3 Gentle Breeze
Force 4 Moderate Breeze
Force 5 Fresh Breeze
Force 6 Strong Breeze
Force 7 Near Gale
Force 8 Gale
Force 9 Strong Gale
Force 10 Storm
Force 11 Violent Storm
Force 12 Hurricane
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating-based, only on a hurricane’s
maximum sustained wind speed. This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly
hazards, such as storm surge, rainfall flooding and tornadoes. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Wind Scale estimates the potential property damage. It categories hurricanes into 5 categories,
based on sustained wind speed.
Category Wind speed (mph) Damage
1 74-95 Very dangerous, will produce some damage
2 96-110 Extremely dangerous, winds will cause extensive damage
3 111-129 Devastating damage will occur
4 130-156 Catastrophic damage will occur
5 157 + Catastrophic damage will occur

The Mercalli Scale was developed by Giuseppe Mercalli in 1902. It is a seismic intensity scale,
used for measuring the intensity of shaking produced by an earthquake. It measures the effects

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of an earthquake at a given location, distinguished from the earthquake’s inherent force or
strength, as measured by the Seismic Magnitude Scale. The modified Mercalli index used today
categorises earthquakes into 12 categories.
CUM People's Furnishings Built Natural Environment
Intensity Reaction Environment
I Not felt Changes in level and clarity of well
water are occasionally associated
with great earthquakes at dis-
tances beyond which the earth-
quakes felt by people.
II Felt by a few. Delicately
suspended
objects may
swing.
III Felt by Hanging objects
several; may swing
vibration like appreciably.
passing of
truck.
IV Felt by many; Dishes rattle. Walls creak;
sensation like window rattle.
heavy body
striking
building.
V Felt by nearly Pictures swing A few instances Trees and bushes shaken
all; frightens out of place; of cracked noticeably.
a few. small objects plaster and
move; a few cracked windows
objects fall from with the
shelves within community.
the community.
VI Frightens Many objects A few instances Some fall of tree limbs and tops,
many; people fall from of fallen plaster, isolated rockfalls and landslides,
move shelves. broken windows, and isolated liquefaction.
unsteadily. and damaged
chimneys within
the community.
VII Frightens Heavy furniture Damage Tree damage, rockfalls, landslides,
most; some overturned. negligible in and liquefaction are more severe
lose balance. buildings of good and widespread with increasing
design and intensity.
construction, but
considerable in
some poorly built
or badly designed
structures; weak
chimneys broken
at roof line, fall of

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unbraced
parapets.
VIII Many find it Very heavy Damage slight in
difficult to furniture moves buildings
stand. conspicuously. designed to be
earthquake
resistant, but
severe in some
poorly built
structures.
Widespread fall
of chimneys and
monuments.
IX Some forcibly Damage
thrown to the considerable in
ground. some buildings
designed to be
earthquake
resistant;
buildings shift off
foundations if
not bolted to
them.
X Most ordinary
masonry
structures
collapse; damage
moderate to
severe in many
buildings
designed to be
earthquake
resistant.

The Fujita Scale, or the Enhanced Fujita Scale, is a set of wind estimates based on damage. It
uses three second gusts estimated at the point of damage, based on a judgement of 8 levels of
damage.
Fujita Scale Enhanced Fujita Scale*
* In use since 2007

F-0 40-72 mph winds EF-0 65-85 mph winds

F-1 73-112 mph EF-1 86-110 mph
F-2 113-157 mph EF-2 111-135 mph
F-3 158-206 mph EF-3 136-165 mph
F-4 207-260 mph EF-4 166-200 mph
F-5 261-318 mph EF-5 > 200 mph
UNDERSTANDING THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE
SCALE OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY TORNADOES

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27. Answer: (a) 28. Answer: (b)
Explanation: Explanation:
The invisible force that appears to deflect Structurally, the tropical cyclones have
the wind is the Coriolis Force. The Coriolis their strongest winds near the Earth’s
Force applies to the movement on the surface. These differences are due to the
tropical cyclone being "warm-core" in the
rotating objects. It is determined by the
troposphere (below the tropopause).
mass of the object and the object's rate of
"Warm-core" refers to being relatively
rotation. The Coriolis Force is
warmer than the environment at any level.
perpendicular to the object's axis. The
Earth spins on its axis from west to east.
29. Answer: (c)
The Coriolis Force, therefore, acts in a
Explanation:
north-south direction. The Coriolis Force
The extra-tropical cyclones are low
is zero at the Equator.
pressure systems with associated cold
The key to the Coriolis effect lies in the fronts, warm fronts and occluded fronts.
Earth’s rotation. Specifically, the Earth The extra-tropical cyclone is a storm
rotates faster at the Equator, than it does system that primarily gets its energy from
at the Poles. The Earth is wider at the horizontal temperature contrasts that
the Equator, so to make a rotation in one exist in the atmosphere.
24-hour period, the equatorial regions race Structurally, the extra-tropical cyclones
nearly 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) per have their strongest winds near the
hour. Near the Poles, the Earth rotates at a tropopause - about 12 km up. Since, the
sluggish 0.00008 kilometres (0.00005 extra-tropical cyclone being "warm-core" in
miles) per hour. the stratosphere (above the tropopause)
and "cold-core" in the troposphere. ‘Warm-
core’ refers to being relatively warmer than
the environment at any level.

30. Answer: (d)

Explanation:
When the air remains over a homogenous
area for a sufficiently longer time, it
acquires the characteristics of the area. The
homogenous regions can be the vast ocean
surface or vast plains. The air with
The amount of deflection the air makes is distinctive characteristics in terms of
temperature and humidity is called an air
directly related to both the speed at which
mass. It is defined as a large body of air,
the air is moving and its latitude.
having little horizontal variation in
Therefore, slowly blowing winds will be
temperature and moisture. The
deflected only a small amount, while homogenous surfaces, over which the air
stronger winds will be deflected more. masses form, are called the source regions.
Likewise, the winds blowing closer to the The air masses are classified according to
Poles will be deflected more than winds at the source regions.
the same speed closer to the Equator. The There are five major source regions.
Coriolis Force is zero right at the Equator. These are: (i) Warm tropical and sub-
tropical oceans; (ii) The sub-tropical hot

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deserts; (iii) The relatively cold high latitude precipitation.
oceans; (iv) The very cold snow covered
continents in high latitudes; and (v)
Permanently ice covered continents in the
Arctic and the Antarctica.
Accordingly, the following types of air
masses are recognised: (i) Maritime
tropical (mT); (ii) Continental tropical (cT);
(iii) Maritime polar (mP); (iv) Continental
polar (cP); and (v) Continental arctic (cA).
Tropical air masses are warm and polar air
masses are cold.
There are four categories of air masses:
arctic, tropical, polar and equatorial. Arctic
air masses form in the Arctic region and
are very cold. Tropical air masses form in
low-latitude areas and are moderately
warm. Polar air masses take shape in high-
latitude regions and are cold. Equatorial air
masses develop near the Equator and are
warm.
Air masses are also identified based on 32. Answer: (d)
whether they form over land or over Explanation:
water. Maritime air masses form over water The Cool Temperate Continental (Siberian)
and are humid. Continental air Climate is experienced only in the northern
masses form over land and are dry. hemisphere where the continents within
the high latitudes have a broad east-west
31. Answer: (a) spread. On its poleward side, it merges into
Explanation: the Arctic tundra of Canada and Eurasia at
around the Arctic Circle.
When two different air masses meet, the
The predominant vegetation of this Siberian
boundary zone between them is called a
or “Sub-Arctic" type of climate is evergreen
front. The process of formation of the fronts
coniferous forest. It stretches in a great,
is known as frontogenesis. There are four
continuous belt across North America.
types of fronts: (a) Cold; (b) Warm; (c)
Europe and Asia. The greatest single band
Stationary; and (d) Occluded. When the
of the coniferous forest is the taiga (a
front remains stationary, it is called a
Russian word for coniferous forest) in
stationary front. When the cold air moves
Siberia.
towards the warm air mass, its contact
zone is called the cold front, whereas if the The Siberian Climate is conspicuously
warm air mass moves towards the cold air absent in the southern hemisphere because
mass, the contact zone is a warm front. If of the narrowness of the southern
an air mass is fully lifted above the land continents in the high latitudes. The strong
surface, it is called the occluded front. oceanic influence reduces the severity of
The fronts occur in the middle latitudes the winter and coniferous forests are found
and are characterised by steep gradient in only on the mountainous uplands of
temperature and pressure. They bring southern Chile, New Zealand. Tasmania
abrupt changes in temperature, and cause and south-east Australia.
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33. Answer: (c) The effect of the ocean is well pronounced
Explanation: in the southern hemisphere. Here the
Occasionally cold, northerly polar winds isotherms are more or less parallel to the
such as the blizzards of Canada and buran latitudes and the variation in temperature
of Eurasia blow' violently at 50 m.p.h. or is more gradual than in the northern
more and at a temperature of 50°F below hemisphere. The isotherm of 20° C, 10° C,
freezing-point. The powdery snowflakes are and 0° C runs parallel to 35° S, 45° S and
blown around in the lower atmosphere and 60° S latitudes respectively.
visibility is greatly reduced. Conditions are
so unbearable that Siberia is very sparsely 35. Answer: (b)
populated but it is gradually being Explanation:
developed.
The interiors of the Eurasian continent are
so remote from maritime influence that
annual precipitation cannot be high.

34. Answer: (b)

Explanation:
The isotherms are generally parallel to the
latitude. The deviation from general trend
is more pronounced in January than in
July, especially in the northern
hemisphere.
In the northern hemisphere the land
The air at the Inter Tropical Convergence
surface area is much larger than in the
Zone (ITCZ) rises because of convection
southern hemisphere. Hence, the effects of
caused by high insolation and a low
land mass and the ocean currents are well
pressure is created. The winds from the
pronounced.
tropics converge at this low-pressure zone.
In January the isotherms deviate to the
The converged air rises along with the
north over the ocean and to the south over
convective cell. It reaches the top of the
the continent. This can be seen on the
troposphere up to an altitude of 14 km.
North Atlantic Ocean. The presence of
and moves towards the poles. This causes
warm ocean currents, Gulf Stream and
accumulation of air at about 30o N and S.
North Atlantic drift, make the Northern
Part of the accumulated air sinks to the
Atlantic Ocean warmer and the isotherms
ground and forms a subtropical high.
bend towards the north.
Another reason for sinking is the cooling of
Over the land the temperature decreases
air when it reaches 30o N and S latitudes.
sharply and the isotherms bend towards
Down below near the land surface the air
south in Europe.
flows towards the equator as the easterlies.
It is much pronounced in the Siberian
The easterlies from either side of the
plain. The mean January temperature
equator converge in the Inter Tropical
along 60° E longitude is minus 20° C both
Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Such circulations
at 80° N and 50° N latitudes. The mean
from the surface upwards and vice-versa
monthly temperature for January is over
are called cells. Such a cell in the tropics is
27° C, in equatorial oceans over 24° C in
called Hadley Cell.
the tropics and 2° C - 0° C in the middle
latitudes and –18° C to –48° C in the In the middle latitudes the circulation is
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poles and the rising warm air that blows 2. Bass Mainland Australia and
from the subtropical high. At the surface Strait Tasmania
these winds are called westerlies and the
3. Kerch Crimea and Russia
cell is known as the Ferrel cell.
Strait
At polar latitudes the cold dense air
subsides near the poles and blows towards
middle latitudes as the polar easterlies. 38. Answer: (d)
This cell is called the polar cell. These three Explanation:
cells set the pattern for the general The equatorial, hot, wet climate is found
circulation of the atmosphere. The transfer between 5° and 10° north and south of the
of heat energy from lower latitudes to equator. Its greatest extent is found in the
higher latitudes maintains the general lowlands of the Amazon, the Congo,
circulation. Malaysia and the East Indies. Further away
from the equator, the influence of the on-
36. Answer: (a) shore Trade Winds, gives rise to a modified
Explanation: type of equatorial climate with monsoonal
influences. Within the tropics, the
The earth as a whole does not accumulate
equatorial highlands have a distinctively
or loose heat. It maintains its temperature.
cooler climate, modified by altitude, such
This can happen only if the amount of heat
as the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia, the
received in the form of insolation equals the
Northern Andes, and the Kenyan Highlands
amount lost by the earth through
in East Africa.
terrestrial radiation.
The insolation received by the earth is in
39. Answer: (c)
short waves forms and heats up its surface.
The earth after being heated itself becomes Explanation:
a radiating body and it radiates energy to High temperature and abundant rainfall in
the atmosphere in long wave form. This the equatorial regions support a luxuriant
energy heats up the atmosphere from type of vegetation-the tropical rain forest.
below. This process is known as terrestrial In the Amazon lowlands, the forest is so
radiation. dense and so complete in its vegetational
The long wave radiation is absorbed by the extravagance that a special term "selvas is
atmospheric gases particularly by carbon used.
dioxide and the other greenhouse gases. Unlike the temperate regions, the growing
Thus, the atmosphere is indirectly heated season here is all the year round-seeding,
by the earth’s radiation. The atmosphere in flowering, fruiting and decaying do not take
turn radiates and transmits heat to the place in a seasonal pattern, so some trees
space. Finally, the amount of heat received may be in flower while others only a few
from the sun is returned to space, thereby yards away may be bearing fruit. There is
maintaining constant temperature at the neither drought nor cold to check growth in
earth’s surface and in the atmosphere. any part of the year.
The characteristic features of the equatorial
37. Answer: (a) vegetation may be summarized as follows.
Explanation: 1. A great variety of vegetation. The
equatorial vegetation comprises a
S.N. Strait Located between
multitude of evergreen trees that yield
1. Bering Asia and North tropical hardwood, e.g. mahogany,
Strait America ebony, greenheart, cabinet woods and

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dyewoods. There are smaller palm trees, Other crops that have been found suitable
climbing plants like the lianas or rattan for the hot, wet equatorial climate and are
which may be hundreds of feet long and extensively cultivated are coconuts, sugar,
epiphytic and parasitic plants that live coffee, tea, tobacco, spices, cinchona,
on other plants. Under the trees grow a bananas, pineapples and sago.
wide variety of ferns, orchids and
lalang.
41. Answer: (b)
2. A distinct layer arrangement. From the
Explanation:
air, the tropical rain forest appears like
The natural vegetation of tropical monsoon
a thick canopy of foliage, broken only
lands depends on the amount of the
where it is crossed by large rivers or
summer rainfall. Trees are normally
cleared for cultivation.
deciduous, because of the marked dry
3. Multiple species. Unlike the temperate
period, during which they shed their leaves
forests, where only a few species occur
to withstand the drought.
in a particular area, the trees of the
tropical rain forests are not found in The forests are more open and less
pure stands of a single species. luxuriant than the equatorial jungle and
there are far fewer species. Most of the
The natural vegetation of tropical monsoon-
forests yield valuable timber, and are prized
teak Mediterranean evergreen forests.
for their durable hardwood.
These are open woodlands with evergreen
oaks, of which the cork oaks of Spain and Amongst these teak is the best known.
Portugal are the best known. The giant Burma alone accounts for as much as
sequoia or redwood is typical of the three quarters of the world’s production. It
Californian trees. is such a durable timber that it is
extensively used lor ship building, furniture
and other constructional purposes. Other
40. Answer: (d)
kinds of timber include sal, acacia and
Explanation:
some varieties of eucalyptus in northern
The equatorial regions are generally Australia; together with the forests are
sparsely populated. In the forests most bamboo thickets, which often grow to great
primitive people live as hunters and
heights.
collectors and the more advanced ones
The absence of shade is a distinct
practise shifting cultivation.
feature of Mediterranean lands.
In the Amazon basin the Indian tribes
collect wild rubber, in the Congo Basin the
Pygmies gather nuts and in the jungles of 42. Answer: (b)
Malaysia the Orang Asli make all sorts of Explanation:
cane products and sell them to people in The Savanna or Sudan Climate is a
villages and towns. transitional type of climate found between
The climate has proved to be very the equatorial forests and the trade wind
favourable for the cultivation of certain hot deserts. It is confined within the tropics
crops that are highly valued in the and is best developed in the Sudan where
industrial West. The most outstanding is the dry and wet seasons are most distinct,
natural rubber, called hevea brasiliensis. hence its name the Sudan Climate. The belt
Another tropical crop that has achieved an includes West African Sudan, and then
amazing success is cocoa. It is most curves southwards into East Africa and
extensively cultivated in West Africa, southern Africa north of the Tropic of
bordering the Gulf of Guinea. Capricorn.

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In South America, there are two distinct The Hausa live in towns or villages. They
regions of savanna north and south of the do not practise shifting cultivation as
equator, namely the llanos of the Orinoco many tribes do. Instead, they clear a piece
basin and the campos of the Brazilian of land and use it for several years, growing
Highlands. The Australian savanna is a wide range of crops like maize, millet,
located south of the monsoon strip running
Guinea corn, groundnuts, bananas and
from west to east north of the Tropic of
beans. Some Hausa also cultivate non-food
Capricorn.
crops e.g. cotton and tobacco.

43. Answer: (b)

Explanation: 45. Answer: (b)

In West Africa, the North-East Trades, in Explanation:

fact, blow’ off-shore from the Sahara Desert
and reach the Guinea coast as a dry, dust-
laden wind, called locally the Harmattan,
meaning the doctor’. It is so dry that its
relative humidity seldom exceeds 30 per
cent. The doctor’ provides a welcome relief
from the damp air of the Guinea lands by
increasing the rate of evaporation with
resultant cooling effects, but it is such a
dry dusty wind that, besides ruining the
crops, it also stirs up a thick dusty haze
and impedes inland river navigation

44. Answer: (b)

Explanation:
The Masai, cattle pastoralists. The Masai 46. Answer: (b)
are a nomadic tribe who once wandered Explanation:
with their herds of cattle in the central The savanna landscape is typified by tall
highlands of East Africa - in Kenya, grass and short trees. It is rather
Tanzania and Uganda. The cattle kept by misleading to call the savanna ‘tropical
the Masai are the Zebu cattle with humps grassland’, because trees are always
and long horns. They are treated with great
present with the luxuriant tall grass. The
respect and affection and are never
terms ' parkland' or ' bush-veld' perhaps
slaughtered for food or for sale. The beef is
describe the landscape better. Trees grow'
only consumed when they die a natural
death from old age or disease. They are best towards the equatorial humid latitudes
never used as draught animals and are or along river banks but decrease in height
kept entirely for the supply of milk and and density away from the equator.
blood. The Hausa, settled cultivators. The trees are deciduous, shedding their
The Hausa are a tribe of settled cultivators leaves in the cool, dry season to prevent
who inhabit the savanna lands of the excessive loss of water through
Bauchi Plateau of northern Nigeria. They transpiration, e.g. acacias. Others have
number almost six million and have been broad trunks, with water-storing devices to
organized in settled agricultural
survive through the prolonged drought
communities for hundreds of years. They
such as baobabs and bottle trees.
are more advanced in their civilization and
ways of life than many of the other African In true savanna lands, the grass is tall and
negroes. coarse, growing 6 to 12 feet high.

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The elephant grass may attain a height of 49. Answer: (b)
even 15 feet. The grass tends to grow in Explanation:
compact tufts and has long roots which Kuroshio Current - Warm current
reach down in search of water. It appears
Oya shio Current - Cold current
greenish and well-nourished in the rainy
Florida Current - Warm current
season but turns yellow' and dies down in
the dry season that follows.
50. Answer: (d)
47. Answer: (d) Explanation:
Explanation: Equator passes through -
The Black Sea is a marginal Mediterranean  Ecuador
Sea of the Atlantic Ocean lying between  Colombia
Europe and Asia, east of the Balkans,  Brazil
south of the East European Plain, west of  Sao Tome and Principe
the Caucasus, and north of Anatolia. It is
 Gabon
bounded by Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine,
Russia, Georgia and Turkey.  Republic of the Congo
 Democratic Republic of the Congo
Uganda
48. Answer: (a)
Explanation:  Kenya
 Somalia
 Indonesia

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