Climatology: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Geography)
55 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on climatology make up this page, from 1996 to 2025. UPSC asks about the structure and heating of the atmosphere, isotherms, jet streams, wind belts, cyclones and climate types such as equatorial and monsoon. Recent papers use paired statements, so the explanations give the reasoning behind each statement.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 21–30 of 55 questions
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UPSC 2013Geography · Climatology
Q21. During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the: 1. Meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky. 2. Lightning that separates the nimbus clouds. 3. Violent upward movement of air and water particles. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
Thunder is caused by lightning. When a lightning bolt travels through the air, it heats the air to an extremely high temperature (up to 30,000 Kelvin). This sudden heating causes the air to expand explosively, creating a shockwave that we hear as thunder. It is not caused by the meeting of clouds, the separation of clouds, or the upward movement of air and water particles.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Thunder is not caused by the meeting of clouds. Cumulonimbus clouds are indeed responsible for thunderstorms, but thunder itself results from the rapid heating and expansion of air due to lightning, not the merging of clouds.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Lightning occurs due to electrical dis-charge within or between clouds and the ground. Thunder results from the sudden expansion of air due to the intense heat of lightning, not from nimbus cloud separation.
Statement 3 is incorrect: While violent air and water particle movements occur within cumulonimbus clouds during a thunderstorm, they do not directly produce thunder. The updrafts and downdrafts determine storm intensity but are not responsible for the sound of thunder.
UPSC 2012Geography · Climatology
Q22. Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth’s surface, because: 1.The atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth’s surface 2. There is more moisture in the upper atmosphere. 3. The air is less dense in the upper atmosphere. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Explanation
In the troposphere (near earth surface), temperature usually decreases as altitude rises. This is called the lapse rate. On average, the temperature drops by 1°C for every 165 meters of height. This equals about 6.5°C for every kilometer.
Statement 1 is correct: The Earth’s surface absorbs solar radiation and then re-radiates it as heat. The air in contact with the surface warms up and transfers heat to the layers above through conduction, convection, and radiation. Since the primary heat source is the Earth’s surface, higher altitudes receive less heat, leading to a drop in temperature.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Moisture content (water vapor) which accounts for around 1% of air varies greatly in the troposphere, decreases significantly with altitude, as most water vapor is found near the Earth’s surface. The upper atmosphere is drier, not more moist.
Statement 3 is correct: As altitude increases, air pressure and density decrease. Less dense air holds less heat, contributing to a decrease in temperature with height.
UPSC 2012Geography · Climatology
Q23. Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah Region?
Explanation
The Tropical Savannah climate is characterized by a definite dry and wet season. This climate type is found in regions like parts of Africa, South America, and Australia. The distinguishing feature is the seasonal variation between a wet season (characterized by heavy rainfall) and a dry season (with very little or no rainfall).
UPSC 2011Geography · Climatology
Q24. Westerlies in the southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in the northern hemisphere. Why? 1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to the northern hemisphere. 2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The primary reason the westerlies in the Southern Hemisphere are stronger and more persistent than in the Northern Hemisphere is because the Southern Hemisphere has significantly less landmass (about 20% land and 80% water), whereas the Northern Hemisphere has 40% land and 60% water. The vast oceans in the Southern Hemisphere allow westerly winds to move with minimal obstruction, making them stronger and more persistent. In contrast, larger landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere create friction and disrupt wind flow.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Coriolis force acts equally in both hemispheres at the same latitude as it depends on the Earth’s rotation and the latitude. It does not make the westerlies stronger in one hemisphere over the other. The main reason for the difference is the land-sea distribution. The Coriolis force is stronger near the poles and weaker at the equator, but it does not explain the difference in strength of the westerlies between the two hemispheres.
UPSC 2011Geography · Climatology
Q25. What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of the African and Eurasian desert belt? 1. It is located in the sub-tropical high-pressure cells. 2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents. Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The African and Eurasian desert belt (Sahara, Arabian, Thar, Gobi) lies in the sub-tropical high-pres-sure zone (20°-30° latitudes). In this region, descending dry air from the Hadley Cell suppresses cloud formation and rainfall, creating arid conditions. This becomes the main reason for the formation of these deserts.
Statement 2 is incorrect: Warm ocean currents increase evaporation followed by humidity, leading to higher rainfall in coastal areas rather than desert formation. Deserts are mainly found near cold ocean currents (e.g., the Atacama Desert near the Peru Current, the Namib Desert near the Benguela Current), which cool the air and reduce its moisture-holding capacity, causing dry conditions. Moreover, many deserts in this belt are landlocked, far from direct oceanic influence.
UPSC 2011Geography · Climatology
Q26. The jet aircraft fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation? 1.There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere. 2. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere. Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The lower stratosphere is mostly free from clouds and water vapor, as most weather phenomena occur in the troposphere below. This impacts the clear air conditions, making it ideal for jet aircraft to fly smoothly.
Statement 2 is correct: The stratosphere is a stable layer with no vertical air movements like convection currents. In contrast, the troposphere experiences turbulence due to rising and falling air masses. The absence of vertical winds in the lower stratosphere ensures a steady flight for jet aircraft.
Additional insight:
Stratosphere: It is the second layer of Earth’s atmosphere, extending from about 12 km to 50 km above the surface. It contains the ozone layer, which absorbs harmful UV radiation. Unlike the troposphere, temperature increases with altitude due to ozone absorption. The air is dry and stable, with almost no clouds or weather disturbances, making it suitable for jet aircraft and weather balloons.
UPSC 2011Geography · Climatology
Q27. The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge?
Explanation
Mangroves function as a safety hedge due to their extensive root systems. These roots act as a natural barrier, protecting coastlines from erosion and the impact of strong waves during storms, cyclones, and tsunamis. The dense network of roots helps to dissipate the energy of waves, reducing their im-pact on the shoreline.
Additional insight:
Mangroves: Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs found in coastal intertidal zones, primarily in tropical and sub-tropical regions. They thrive in saline, waterlogged, and oxygen-poor soils, with specialized stilt roots (for stability) and pneumatophores (for breathing in low-oxygen conditions). They act as natural coastal barriers, protecting shorelines from erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis and also support rich biodiversity, providing habitat for fish, crabs, birds, and other marine life. Major mangrove forests in India include Sundarbans, Mahanadi Delta, Godavari-Krishna Delta, and Pichavaram.
Exam tip:
Logically ask: What physical feature of mangroves could protect people from violent water and wind? Only Option D aligns with this, Strong roots = strong barrier.
UPSC 2010Geography · Climatology
Q28. A geographic area with an altitude of 400 metres has following characteristics.
Month
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Average maximum temp °C
31
31
31
31
30
30
29
28
29
29
30
31
Average minimum temp °C
21
21
21
21
21
21
20
20
20
20
20
20
Rainfall (mm)
51
85
188
158
139
121
134
168
185
221
198
86
If this geographic area were to have a natural forest, which one of the following would it most likely be?
Explanation
Tropical rainforests, also known as Evergreen forests, thrive in regions receiving substantial rainfall, typically exceeding 150-200 cm annually. These forests maintain temperatures within the range of 15-30°C throughout the year, conditions that match the given data. They are found in India’s Western Ghats and Northeast, boasting diverse flora (rosewood, mahogany, rubber) and fauna (elephants, monkeys, sloths). This combination of factors creates a complex and thriving ecosystem.
UPSC 2010Geography · Climatology
Q29. A new type of El Nino called El Nino Modoki appeared in the news. In this context, consider the following statements: 1.Normal El Nino forms in the Central Pacific Ocean whereas El Nino Modoki forms in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. 2.Normal El Nino results in diminished hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean but El Nino Modoki results in a greater number of hurricanes with greater frequency. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. El Niño Modoki is a distinct phase of El Niño with a different spatial pattern of warming in the Pacific Ocean.
Statement 1 is incorrect: Because it reverses the typical locations of El Niño and El Niño Modoki. Normal El Niño occurs in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, where sea surface temperatures be-come unusually warm, typically around the equator off the coast of South America. El Niño Modoki, on the other hand, forms in the Central Pacific Ocean, with warming concentrated between the dateline and the central Pacific, distinct from the usual location of normal El Niño.
Statement 2 is correct: During normal El Niño events, the atmospheric changes (increased wind shear and cooler waters in the Atlantic) tend to suppress hurricane formation in the Atlantic Ocean, leading to fewer hurricanes. In contrast, El Niño Modoki causes different atmospheric conditions that have been linked to a greater frequency and intensity of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. The shift in warming in the Pacific Ocean results in a different pattern of atmospheric circulation that enhances hurricane formation in the Atlantic.
UPSC 2010Geography · Climatology
Q30. Which one of the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to the other three?
Explanation
The reflectivity of a surface, known as albedo, determines how much sunlight is reflected back. Surfaces with higher albedo reflect more sunlight, while those with lower albedo absorb more.
Option (c) is correct: Land covered with fresh snow has the highest albedo amongst the options given above. Snow reflects approximately 80-90% of the sunlight that strikes it. This makes snow-covered surfaces highly reflective compared to others. Options (a), (b) and (d) are incorrect:
Sand deserts have a lower albedo, generally ranging between 30-40%. This means they absorb more sunlight and reflect less compared to snow-covered land. Paddy crop land, similar to prairie land, has a lower albedo of 22-24% due to its vegetation, which absorbs more sunlight rather than reflecting it. The albedo of these areas can change based on vegetation type, moisture levels, and the season. Prairie land, like paddy crop land, typically has a lower albedo of 20-25 % as it is covered with grasses and other vegetation that absorb sunlight rather than reflecting it.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
21
2013
(d) None of the above
22
2012
(c) 1 and 3 only
23
2012
(d) A definite dry and wet season
24
2011
(a) 1 only
25
2011
(a) 1 only
26
2011
(c) Both 1 and 2
27
2011
(d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.
28
2010
(d) Tropical rainforest
29
2010
(b) 2 only
30
2010
(c) Land covered with fresh snow
What UPSC has tested in Climatology
Dewdrops are not formed on a cloudy night because clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation and keep the surface warm.
Jet streams occur in both hemispheres, not only the Northern Hemisphere, and only some cyclones develop an eye.
The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of the monsoon climate.
Leaf litter decomposes faster in the tropical rainforest than in any other biome.
Without the atmosphere, temperature on Earth would be well below freezing everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Climatology?
This page covers 55 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Climatology (Geography), asked from 1996 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?
Clouds reflect the Earth’s outgoing radiation back to the surface, so the ground does not cool enough to reach the dew point. On clear nights the ground loses heat freely, and dew forms.
Do jet streams occur only in the Northern Hemisphere?
No. Jet streams occur in both hemispheres. The polar front and subtropical jets blow west to east at high altitude in each hemisphere, so a statement limiting them to the Northern Hemisphere is incorrect.
Which climate is typified by a seasonal reversal of winds?
The monsoon climate. Winds blow from the sea to the land in summer, bringing rain, and from the land to the sea in winter, so the direction reverses with the season.
