Q11. Which of the following statements regarding the movement of the Bay of Bengal monsoon branch towards Rajasthan is incorrect?
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 11–20 of 28 questions
Q12. Match List I (Isohyet Line) with List II (Climatic Boundary/Feature in Rajasthan) and select the correct answer using the options below.
| Isohyet Line | Climatic Boundary/Feature |
|---|---|
| A. 10 cm Isohyet | i. Roughly divides the state into two equal halves along the Aravallis. |
| B. 25 cm Isohyet | ii. Generally marks the western limit of the semi-arid steppe region. |
| C. 40 cm Isohyet | iii. Divides the arid desert into purely arid and semi-arid transitional zones. |
| D. 50 cm Isohyet | iv. Represents extreme western parts of Jaisalmer border region. |
Explanation
The 10 cm isohyet represents the extreme western border, while the 25 cm line divides the arid desert into purely arid and semi-arid zones. The 40 cm isohyet marks the western limit of the steppe region, and the 50 cm line roughly bisects the state along the Aravallis. These lines are essential for mapping the rainfall gradients and ecological zones across Rajasthan.
Q13. The influence of Western Disturbances on Rajasthan’s climate is seen in all of the following ways, EXCEPT:
Explanation
Western Disturbances are primarily winter phenomena that bring light rainfall to northern India between December and February. They are not associated with the formation of tropical cyclones, which typically occur in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods over oceanic regions. Furthermore, June weather in the Thar Desert is dominated by heatwaves and the arrival of the monsoon rather than these Mediterranean-origin disturbances.
Q14. Consider the following phenomena regarding the temperature dynamics in Rajasthan:
I. Temperature inversions are common in western Rajasthan during clear, calm winter nights.
II. Extreme continentality prevents any variation between summer and winter temperatures.
III. The highest temperatures in the state are recorded in the southern tribal belt due to dense forests.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. Temperature inversions are common in western Rajasthan during clear, calm winter nights.
II. Extreme continentality prevents any variation between summer and winter temperatures.
III. The highest temperatures in the state are recorded in the southern tribal belt due to dense forests.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Statement II is incorrect because continentality actually causes extreme variations between summer and winter temperatures. Statement III is also incorrect because the highest temperatures are recorded in the northern and western desert districts like Churu and Phalodi, not in the southern tribal belt. Temperature inversions, however, are a common and correct phenomenon observed in the desert during clear winter nights.
Q15. Consider the following statements regarding the monsoon trough over Rajasthan:
Statement I: The shifting of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) northward over the Thar desert creates a low-pressure trough, drawing in the monsoon winds.
Statement II: The strength and duration of the monsoon trough over Rajasthan directly dictate the intensity of rainfall received during the season.
Select the correct response from the options given below:
Statement I: The shifting of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) northward over the Thar desert creates a low-pressure trough, drawing in the monsoon winds.
Statement II: The strength and duration of the monsoon trough over Rajasthan directly dictate the intensity of rainfall received during the season.
Select the correct response from the options given below:
Explanation
The northward shift of the ITCZ over the Thar Desert creates a low-pressure trough that draws in monsoon winds, which is a fundamental meteorological process. Separately, the characteristics of this trough indeed dictate the rainfall intensity. While both statements are facts regarding the monsoon mechanism in Rajasthan, the second statement describes the result of the trough’s behavior rather than explaining why it forms.
Q16. Given below are two statements, one labelled as
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Mount Abu experiences much lower summer temperatures compared to the surrounding plains of the Jalore and Sirohi districts.
Reason (R): Temperature decreases with an increase in altitude at a standard lapse rate.
Select the correct answer from the options given below:
Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Mount Abu experiences much lower summer temperatures compared to the surrounding plains of the Jalore and Sirohi districts.
Reason (R): Temperature decreases with an increase in altitude at a standard lapse rate.
Select the correct answer from the options given below:
Explanation
Mount Abu experiences significantly cooler summer temperatures compared to the nearby low-lying plains of Jalore and Sirohi. This is a direct consequence of the environmental lapse rate, which states that atmospheric temperature decreases as altitude increases. Because Mount Abu is situated at a high elevation in the Aravalli Range, it remains much cooler than the surrounding regions despite the intense summer heat.
Q17. Based on long-term climate data, during which period is the incidence of drought historically highest in the arid districts of western Rajasthan?
Explanation
Long-term climatic data for western Rajasthan shows that drought is a frequent and recurring phenomenon. In the most arid districts, meteorological or agricultural drought occurs on average once every two to three years. This high frequency is due to the extreme variability and unreliability of the monsoon rains in the Thar Desert region, making water security a constant challenge for the local population.
Q18. Consider the following statements regarding the general climatic regions of Rajasthan:
I. The Arid climate region covers approximately 20% of the state’s total area.
II. The Semi-arid region is characterized by steppe-type vegetation and thorny bushes.
III. The Sub-humid region is largely concentrated along the Aravalli axis.
IV. The Humid region features a mix of deciduous trees and relatively stable agricultural conditions.
V. The Very Humid region in Rajasthan is extensive, covering the entire northern plains.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. The Arid climate region covers approximately 20% of the state’s total area.
II. The Semi-arid region is characterized by steppe-type vegetation and thorny bushes.
III. The Sub-humid region is largely concentrated along the Aravalli axis.
IV. The Humid region features a mix of deciduous trees and relatively stable agricultural conditions.
V. The Very Humid region in Rajasthan is extensive, covering the entire northern plains.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
Statement I is incorrect because the Arid region covers approximately 60% of the state’s area, not 20%. Statement V is also incorrect because the Very Humid region is not extensive; it is limited to specific areas in the southeast and the Mount Abu region, rather than covering the entire northern plains. The descriptions for the Semi-arid, Sub-humid, and Humid regions are generally accurate.
Q19. Bikaner district has no flowing rivers. From a climatological perspective, which combination of factors best explains this geographical reality?
Explanation
Bikaner district lacks flowing rivers due to its extreme arid environment. The region receives very little annual rainfall, which is insufficient to sustain permanent water bodies. Furthermore, the highly porous sandy soil causes any surface water to infiltrate quickly. Combined with exceptionally high potential evapotranspiration rates driven by heat and wind, moisture is lost before it can form stable drainage channels or river systems.
Q20. Identify the correctly paired climatic code of Koeppen with its descriptive meaning for Rajasthan.
Explanation
In Koeppen’s classification system, the code BWhw specifically represents a hot desert climate characterized by low precipitation and dry winters. This classification is perfectly suited for the western parts of Rajasthan, including the Thar Desert.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 11 | (a) Its moisture content increases as it moves from eastern Rajasthan towards the western desert. |
| 12 | (a) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i |
| 13 | (b) Triggering intense tropical cyclones over the Thar desert in the month of June. |
| 14 | (b) II and III |
| 15 | (d) Both statements are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I. |
| 16 | (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A. |
| 17 | (c) It occurs on average once every 2 to 3 years. |
| 18 | (a) I and V |
| 19 | (d) Lack of rain, porous sandy surfaces, and extreme potential evapotranspiration. |
| 20 | (a) BWhw - Hot desert climate with dry winter |
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.