Q1. Which of the following broad classifications most accurately describes the general climatic characteristics of Rajasthan as a whole?
Climate of Rajasthan: RAS Prelims MCQs
28 RAS Prelims MCQs on the climate of Rajasthan cover its arid and semi-arid character, the climatic regions, the monsoon branches and local weather phenomena. The 25 cm isohyet, Koeppen’s code, drought frequency, the Loo, Andhi, Mawath and Purvaiya are asked with their causes and effects.
Practice questions based on the RPSC RAS Prelims syllabus. They follow the exam pattern but are not past-paper questions.
Showing 1–10 of 28 questions
Q2. What is the primary meteorological effect of the extreme heating of the Thar Desert during the summer season in Rajasthan?
Explanation
During the summer months, the intense heating of the sandy terrain in the Thar Desert creates a deep low-pressure zone. This meteorological phenomenon is crucial as it acts as a thermal engine, drawing moisture-laden winds from the high-pressure areas over the Indian Ocean. This pressure gradient facilitates the advancement of the southwest monsoon into northern India.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the temperature patterns in Rajasthan:
Statement I: The western parts of Rajasthan experience a higher diurnal range of temperature compared to the eastern parts.
Statement II: The sandy soil of the Thar desert heats up rapidly during the day and cools down rapidly at night.
Select the correct response from the options given below:
Statement I: The western parts of Rajasthan experience a higher diurnal range of temperature compared to the eastern parts.
Statement II: The sandy soil of the Thar desert heats up rapidly during the day and cools down rapidly at night.
Select the correct response from the options given below:
Explanation
Western Rajasthan experiences a higher diurnal temperature range primarily because of its sandy soil. Sand has a low specific heat capacity, causing it to heat up very rapidly under solar radiation during the day and lose heat quickly through radiation at night. This physical property of the desert surface leads to extreme fluctuations between daytime highs and nighttime lows.
Q4. Match List I (Koeppen’s Climatic Region) with
List II (Representative District) and select the correct answer using the options below.
List I: (Koeppen’s Climatic Region)
A. BWhw
B. BShw
C. Cwg
D. Aw
List II: (Representative District)
i. Dungarpur
ii. Dausa
iii. Sikar
iv. Jaisalmer
List II (Representative District) and select the correct answer using the options below.
List I: (Koeppen’s Climatic Region)
A. BWhw
B. BShw
C. Cwg
D. Aw
List II: (Representative District)
i. Dungarpur
ii. Dausa
iii. Sikar
iv. Jaisalmer
Explanation
Koeppen’s classification identifies Jaisalmer as part of the arid BWhw region, while Sikar falls under the semi-arid BShw category. Dausa is situated in the sub-humid Cwg region, and Dungarpur belongs to the tropical Aw zone. These classifications reflect the distinct variations in precipitation and temperature patterns observed across the diverse geographical landscapes of the state of Rajasthan.
Q5. Which of the following statements regarding the temperature zones of Rajasthan is incorrect?
Explanation
In reality, winter temperatures in the arid and semi-arid regions of western Rajasthan frequently dip below the freezing point. During intense cold waves, frost formation is a common phenomenon in districts like Churu and Bikaner. The sandy soil’s rapid heat loss at night facilitates these sub-zero temperatures, contradicting the claim that they never fall below zero degrees Celsius.
Q6. Which of the following factors is the most critical in defining the exact boundary between the arid and semi-arid regions within western Rajasthan?
Explanation
Climatologically, the 25 cm isohyet line serves as the critical boundary between the purely arid desert (Marusthali) and the semi-arid transitional steppe region in western Rajasthan. Areas receiving less than 25 centimeters of annual rainfall are considered arid, while those receiving between 25 and 50 centimeters fall into the semi-arid category. This line marks a significant change in vegetation and land use.
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding the impact of climate change on Rajasthan:
I. There is an observable delay in the onset and an earlier withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon.
II. Total annual rainfall has increased uniformly across all the arid western districts by 50%.
III. Heatwaves have become more frequent and severe during the summer months.
IV. Unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms have increased, posing risks to Rabi crops.
V. The number of intense, short-duration rainfall events has decreased dramatically.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
I. There is an observable delay in the onset and an earlier withdrawal of the Southwest monsoon.
II. Total annual rainfall has increased uniformly across all the arid western districts by 50%.
III. Heatwaves have become more frequent and severe during the summer months.
IV. Unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms have increased, posing risks to Rabi crops.
V. The number of intense, short-duration rainfall events has decreased dramatically.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are correct?
Explanation
Climate change in Rajasthan is evident through shifts in the monsoon cycle, with frequent delays in onset and earlier withdrawals. Additionally, heatwaves are becoming more severe during summers, and there is an increase in unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms that threaten Rabi crops. However, the claim that total annual rainfall has increased uniformly by 50% across all western districts is scientifically inaccurate.
Q8. In parts of western Rajasthan, actual precipitation may occasionally be moderate in certain years, yet the region continues to exhibit severe arid conditions. Which climatological concept best explains this discrepancy?
Explanation
Aridity is not just a function of low rainfall but also of high water loss. In western Rajasthan, the potential evapotranspiration--the amount of water that would evaporate and transpire if moisture were available--is extremely high due to intense solar radiation and high temperatures. Because this potential loss far exceeds the actual precipitation received, the region remains fundamentally arid even in moderate years.
Q9. Identify the incorrectly matched pair regarding Thornthwaite’s climatic zones and their corresponding characteristics in Rajasthan.
Explanation
This pairing is incorrect because the DB’w zone, representing the semi-arid northern parts of Rajasthan, is not characterized by "extremely high" winter rainfall. Furthermore, Kharif crops are grown during the monsoon season, not based on winter rains. Thornthwaite’s DB’w actually indicates a region with a moisture deficit throughout the year and only light, sporadic rainfall, primarily during the winter and monsoon periods.
Q10. Consider the following statements regarding winter phenomena in Rajasthan:
Statement I: Frost formation is occasionally observed in the Aravalli region and northern districts of Rajasthan during intense cold waves in January.
Statement II: Nighttime temperatures dropping below the freezing point cause atmospheric moisture to sublimate onto surfaces.
Select the correct response from the options given below:
Statement I: Frost formation is occasionally observed in the Aravalli region and northern districts of Rajasthan during intense cold waves in January.
Statement II: Nighttime temperatures dropping below the freezing point cause atmospheric moisture to sublimate onto surfaces.
Select the correct response from the options given below:
Explanation
Frost formation is indeed observed in several parts of Rajasthan during peak winter, especially in the northern districts and the elevated Aravalli region. This occurs because nighttime temperatures can drop below the freezing point during intense cold waves. When this happens, the moisture in the air undergoes deposition, turning directly from a gas to solid ice crystals on surfaces like leaves and soil.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | (b) Arid and Semi-arid continental |
| 2 | (a) It creates an intense low-pressure trough attracting the Southwest monsoon. |
| 3 | (c) Both statements are correct and Statement II explains Statement I. |
| 4 | (a) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
| 5 | (c) Western Rajasthan winter temperatures never drop below freezing. |
| 6 | (b) The 25 cm isohyet line |
| 7 | (b) I, III and IV |
| 8 | (c) High potential evapotranspiration significantly exceeds actual precipitation. |
| 9 | (d) DB’w - Characterized by extremely high winter rainfall suitable for Kharif crops. |
| 10 | (c) Both statements are correct and Statement II explains Statement I. |
Key facts from Climate of Rajasthan
- The general climate of Rajasthan is arid and semi-arid continental.
- The 25 cm isohyet line is the most critical factor in marking the boundary between the arid and semi-arid parts.
- In Koeppen’s scheme, BWhw means a hot desert climate with a dry winter.
- Drought occurs on average once in two to three years.
- Loo is a hot dry summer wind, Andhi is a dust-raising storm, Mawath is winter rain from western disturbances and Purvaiya is a moisture-bearing easterly wind.
- The Hadoti region gets higher rain as it is on the windward side of Bay of Bengal winds; the Mawath decreases from the north-west towards the south-east.
Frequently asked questions
How many RAS Prelims practice MCQs are there on Climate of Rajasthan?
This page has 28 practice MCQs on Climate of Rajasthan (Rajasthan Geography). Each has the correct answer, and most have an explanation.
What is the Mawath?
Winter rainfall caused by western disturbances from the Mediterranean region. It is heaviest in the north-west of Rajasthan and decreases towards the south and south-east, and it is useful for Rabi crops.
What does the 25 cm isohyet mark?
The boundary between the arid and semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. West of this line, annual rainfall is less than 25 cm and the land is desert; to its east the climate is semi-arid.
How often does drought occur in Rajasthan?
On average once every two to three years, according to long-term climate data. Rainfall is low and erratic, so the State is among the most drought-prone in the country.