
Instructions:
- Each question carries 2 marks.
- No negative marking in practice.
- Attempt all questions before checking answers.
- Use OMR sheets to practice.
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian monsoon:
- The monsoon is caused by to differential heating and cooling of land and water.
- The monsoon winds reverse their direction between summer and winter.
- El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean strengthen the Indian monsoon.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
2. About planetary winds, consider the following statements:
- Trade winds blow from east to west between 0° and 30° latitude.
- Westerlies are stronger in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Polar Easterlies originate from subtropical high-pressure belts.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
3. Which one of the following best describes the Western Disturbances that affect India’s climate?
(a) Low-pressure systems originating over the Bay of Bengal
(b) Cyclonic storms formed in the Mediterranean region
(c) Sudden changes in wind patterns over the Himalayas
(d) Tropical depressions forming in the Arabian Sea
4. Consider the following statements regarding jet streams:
- Jet streams are high-altitude, fast-moving air currents found in the troposphere.
- The Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) influences the onset of the Indian monsoon.
- The Subtropical Jet Stream (STJ) strengthens during the monsoon season.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
5. Which of the following factors contribute to the variability of monsoon rainfall in India?
- ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation)
- Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
- Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream (STJ)
- Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
6. Which of the following statements regarding El Niño and La Niña is correct?
(a) El Niño leads to excessive rainfall in India, while La Niña causes droughts.
(b) El Niño weakens trade winds, while La Niña strengthens them.
(c) La Niña results in the warming of the Pacific Ocean, while El Niño causes cooling.
(d) Both El Niño and La Niña have no significant impact on the Indian monsoon.
7. The Indian monsoon exhibits which of the following characteristics?
- It follows a predictable pattern every year.
- The monsoon trough shifts northward and southward during the rainy season.
- The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon gives more rainfall to the western coast of India than the Arabian Sea branch.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 only
8. Consider the following statements regarding local winds:
- Chinook winds help in melting snow in the Rocky Mountains.
- Mistral is a cold wind that blows in the Mediterranean region.
- The Loo is a cold wind that blows in northern India during summer.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
9. Consider the following pairs:
Wind | Region |
---|---|
Foehn | Switzerland |
Harmattan | India |
Bora | Russia |
Sirocco | North Africa |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
10. Which of the following conditions are favourable for the onset of the Indian monsoon?
- Strengthening of the Easterly Jet Stream over India
- High pressure over the Tibetan Plateau
- Development of a low-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent
- Strengthening of the Subtropical Westerly Jet Stream over India
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
11. Consider the following statements regarding tropical cyclones:
- They form due to intense low-pressure systems over warm ocean waters.
- The Coriolis force is essential for their formation.
- Tropical cyclones move from east to west due to trade winds.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
12. Which of the following factors influence the movement of the Indian monsoon?
- The position of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
- The differential heating of land and sea
- The presence of the Himalayas
- The presence of the Australian high-pressure system
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 3 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
13. Consider the following pairs of winds and their characteristics:
Wind | Characteristic |
---|---|
Loo | Hot and dry summer wind in North India |
Harmattan | Moist wind blowing over the Atlantic Ocean |
Sirocco | Hot, dry wind from Sahara to Mediterranean |
Bora | Cold wind blowing from the Alps |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
14. With reference to El Niño and Indian monsoon, consider the following statements:
- During El Niño years, India generally experiences drought-like conditions.
- The weakening of trade winds is a characteristic of El Niño events.
- La Niña brings excessive rainfall to India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
15. The Indian monsoon system is influenced by which of the following global climatic phenomena?
- El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
- Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
- Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)
- Polar Vortex
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
16. Consider the following statements regarding ocean currents:
- The warm Agulhas Current flows along the eastern coast of Africa.
- The cold Labrador Current affects the climate of the eastern coast of the United States.
- The Kuroshio Current is a warm ocean current in the Pacific Ocean.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
17. Which of the following correctly explains the concept of ‘Break in Monsoon’ in India?
(a) The monsoon completely withdraws for the season.
(b) A temporary weakening of monsoon rainfall due to shifting pressure systems.
(c) An increase in rainfall intensity due to cyclonic activity.
(d) Monsoon clouds dissipate completely over the subcontinent.
18. Consider the following statements regarding Indian climate zones:
- The Thar Desert falls under the category of hot desert climate.
- Kerala experiences a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall.
- The North-East Indian states experience tropical wet climate.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
19. Which of the following states receives the maximum rainfall in India?
(a) Meghalaya
(b) Kerala
(c) West Bengal
(d) Tamil Nadu
20. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)?
(a) A positive IOD leads to a weaker Indian monsoon.
(b) A negative IOD enhances the monsoon rainfall over India.
(c) A positive IOD enhances monsoon rainfall in India.
(d) The Indian Ocean Dipole has no impact on the monsoon.
21. Consider the following statements regarding Jet Streams:
- Jet streams are narrow bands of fast-moving winds in the upper atmosphere.
- The subtropical westerly jet stream influences the winter climate of North India.
- The tropical easterly jet stream plays a crucial role in the onset of the Indian monsoon.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
22. Which of the following best explains the concept of ‘Western Disturbances’?
(a) Seasonal cyclonic storms originating in the Indian Ocean.
(b) Weather disturbances that bring winter rainfall to North India.
(c) Local winds occurring in the Thar Desert during summer.
(d) A type of easterly wave responsible for summer monsoons.
23. Which of the following factors influence the intensity of the Indian monsoon?
- The differential heating of land and sea
- The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
- The Tibetan Plateau as a heat source
- The movement of the ITCZ
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
24. The Indian monsoon is a result of which of the following phenomena?
(a) Land and sea breeze circulation
(b) Seasonal reversal of winds due to differential heating
(c) Impact of the ozone layer on atmospheric circulation
(d) Movement of tropical cyclones across the Indian Ocean
25. Consider the following statements about the retreating monsoon:
- It occurs between October and December.
- It is responsible for the winter rainfall in Tamil Nadu.
- The winds during this period are dry and originate from the land.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
26. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of La Niña?
(a) Strengthening of trade winds
(b) Cooling of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific
(c) Suppression of the Indian monsoon
(d) Enhanced rainfall in India
27. Consider the following statements regarding the Hadley Cell:
- It is a tropical atmospheric circulation responsible for trade winds.
- It contributes to the formation of subtropical high-pressure belts.
- It extends from the equator to approximately 30° latitude.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
28. The term ‘Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)’ is best associated with:
(a) Long-term climate change patterns
(b) Short-term fluctuations in tropical rainfall and wind patterns
(c) A phenomenon responsible for the weakening of the polar vortex
(d) The formation of subtropical cyclones
29. Which of the following states receives rainfall from both the Southwest and Northeast monsoons?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Odisha
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Tamil Nadu
30. Which of the following conditions are essential for the formation of a tropical cyclone?
- A low-pressure area with high sea surface temperature
- A location at least 5° away from the equator
- Strong vertical wind shear in the atmosphere
- High humidity in the lower and middle troposphere
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 2, and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only
31. Consider the following pairs regarding local winds and their regions:
Local Wind | Region |
---|---|
Chinook | North America |
Foehn | Europe |
Sirocco | Australia |
Harmattan | West Africa |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
32. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is best described as:
(a) A zone of high pressure where winds diverge.
(b) A region of calm winds located at 30° latitude.
(c) A low-pressure zone where trade winds converge.
(d) A stable air mass responsible for drought conditions.
33. Consider the following statements about El Niño:
- It is characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific.
- It weakens the Indian monsoon, leading to droughts in some regions.
- It enhances cyclone formation in the Bay of Bengal during the monsoon season.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
34. Which of the following is the primary reason for the deflection of winds in the atmosphere?
(a) The Earth’s rotation
(b) The differential heating of land and sea
(c) Variations in solar activity
(d) The presence of greenhouse gases
35. The ‘Roaring Forties’ are strong westerly winds that occur between:
(a) 10° and 20° latitudes in both hemispheres
(b) 30° and 40° latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere
(c) 40° and 50° latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere
(d) 50° and 60° latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere
36. Which of the following statements about cyclones is correct?
(a) Cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere rotate clockwise.
(b) Cyclones are associated with high-pressure systems.
(c) Tropical cyclones typically form over warm ocean waters.
(d) Cyclones never occur in temperate regions.
37. Consider the following statements regarding trade winds:
- They blow from east to west in both hemispheres.
- They converge at the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
- They play a significant role in the monsoon circulation over India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
38. The term ‘Tropical Easterly Jet Stream (TEJ)’ is associated with:
(a) The westerly winds in the upper troposphere
(b) The monsoon circulation over India
(c) The polar vortex
(d) The formation of thunderstorms in mid-latitude regions
39. The movement of the monsoon trough in India significantly influences:
(a) The timing of the winter season
(b) The amount and distribution of monsoon rainfall
(c) The occurrence of cold waves in North India
(d) The formation of anticyclones over the Bay of Bengal
40. Which of the following statements about the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is correct?
(a) A positive IOD leads to excess rainfall in Australia and droughts in India.
(b) A negative IOD enhances monsoon rainfall over India.
(c) A positive IOD is associated with warmer waters near the western Indian Ocean.
(d) The IOD has no impact on the Indian monsoon.
41. Consider the following pairs regarding planetary winds and their characteristics:
Wind | Direction |
---|---|
Trade Winds | From east to west |
Westerlies | From west to east |
Polar Easterlies | From east to west |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
42. Which of the following statements best describes the phenomenon of ‘Jet Streams’?
(a) They are fast-flowing air currents found in the troposphere.
(b) They are seasonal winds that originate from oceans.
(c) They are wind systems that form due to the Coriolis effect.
(d) They are the primary cause of tropical cyclones.
43. Which of the following statements regarding the South-West Monsoon in India is correct?
(a) It is influenced by the movement of the Western Disturbances.
(b) It arrives first in the northeastern states of India.
(c) It is caused by the shift of the ITCZ towards the north.
(d) It originates from the Mediterranean region.
44. The phenomenon of ‘Break in Monsoon’ in India is caused by:
(a) The sudden strengthening of trade winds
(b) A shift in the monsoon trough towards the foothills of the Himalayas
(c) The presence of a Western Disturbance over North India
(d) The influence of El Niño conditions
45. Consider the following statements about sea breezes and land breezes:
- Sea breezes occur during the day and flow from the sea to the land.
- Land breezes occur during the night and flow from the land to the sea.
- Both sea and land breezes are influenced by temperature differences between land and water.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
46. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is best described as:
(a) A long-term climatic phenomenon affecting monsoon patterns.
(b) A short-term fluctuation in tropical convection moving eastward.
(c) A type of ocean current responsible for cyclogenesis.
(d) A variation in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
47. The concept of ‘Thermal Equator’ refers to:
(a) The latitudinal line where the hottest temperature is recorded annually.
(b) The actual geographical equator at 0° latitude.
(c) The area where the trade winds of both hemispheres meet.
(d) The position of the sun’s direct overhead rays during solstices.
48. Which of the following factors is NOT responsible for the variability in the Indian monsoon?
(a) El Niño and La Niña events
(b) Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)
(c) Sunspot activity
(d) The presence of deserts in western India
49. The primary reason for the occurrence of monsoons in South Asia is:
(a) The rotation of the Earth
(b) The differential heating of land and ocean
(c) The presence of the Himalayan mountain range
(d) The reversal of ocean currents in the Indian Ocean
50. Which of the following statements regarding the Coriolis Effect is correct?
(a) It causes winds to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.
(b) It has the strongest effect at the equator.
(c) It has no impact on global wind patterns.
(d) It is responsible for the formation of trade winds only.
📢 Attention UPSC Aspirants! 📢
The answer key with detailed explanations for the 50 MCQs on Earth’s Structure & Plate Tectonics from Day 11 is now available on our Telegram Channel! ✅🔥
📝 What You’ll Get:
✔️ Correct answers for all 50 questions
✔️ Concept-wise detailed explanations
✔️ Essential insights to strengthen your UPSC preparation
📌 Access Now: 🔗 Click here
Don’t just check the answers—understand the concepts and boost your accuracy for the UPSC Prelims 2025! 🚀💯
Join the discussion and stay ahead in your preparation! 💪📖