Q21. Which is the most appropriate reason why the southeastern part of Rajasthan (Hadoti region) receives significantly higher rainfall than the western part?
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 21–28 of 28 questions
Q22. Match List I (Local Weather Phenomenon) with
List II (Primary Characteristic) and select the correct answer using the options below.
List I: (Local Weather Phenomenon)
A. Loo
B. Andhi
C. Mawath
D. Purvaiya
List II: (Primary Characteristic)
i. Winter rainfall from Mediterranean cyclonic disturbances
ii. Hot, dry, scorching summer winds
iii. Moisture-bearing winds from the east
iv. Violent, dust-raising summer storms lowering temperatures temporarily
List II (Primary Characteristic) and select the correct answer using the options below.
List I: (Local Weather Phenomenon)
A. Loo
B. Andhi
C. Mawath
D. Purvaiya
List II: (Primary Characteristic)
i. Winter rainfall from Mediterranean cyclonic disturbances
ii. Hot, dry, scorching summer winds
iii. Moisture-bearing winds from the east
iv. Violent, dust-raising summer storms lowering temperatures temporarily
Explanation
Loo is a hot, dry summer wind, Andhi is a violent dust-raising storm, Mawath is winter rain from Mediterranean disturbances and Purvaiya is a moisture-bearing easterly wind. This gives A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii.
Q23. Select the odd one out concerning districts primarily influenced by the Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest monsoon.
Explanation
Banswara, Dungarpur and Sirohi (Mount Abu) are influenced by the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon. Hanumangarh in the north-west is not, so it is the odd one out.
Q24. Consider the following statements regarding the factors influencing Rajasthan’s climate:
I. The vast expanse of the Thar desert acts as a major heat source, fundamentally driving local wind circulations.
II. The absence of dense forest cover over large parts of the state exacerbates temperature extremes.
III. The latitudinal position of the state places it entirely outside the influence of the subtropical high-pressure belt.
IV. The presence of the Aravalli range enhances rainfall uniformly across both its eastern and western flanks.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
I. The vast expanse of the Thar desert acts as a major heat source, fundamentally driving local wind circulations.
II. The absence of dense forest cover over large parts of the state exacerbates temperature extremes.
III. The latitudinal position of the state places it entirely outside the influence of the subtropical high-pressure belt.
IV. The presence of the Aravalli range enhances rainfall uniformly across both its eastern and western flanks.
Which of the above statement(s) is/are incorrect?
Explanation
The Thar desert is a heat source and the lack of forest cover increases temperature extremes, so I and II are correct. Rajasthan is under the influence of the subtropical high-pressure belt and the Aravalli range does not raise rainfall uniformly on both sides, so III and IV are incorrect.
Q25. The general climatic classification divides the state of Rajasthan into how many distinct climatic regions based primarily on rainfall and temperature patterns?
Explanation
Rajasthan is divided into five climatic regions on the basis of rainfall and temperature: arid, semi-arid, sub-humid, humid and very humid, the last being the Mount Abu area.
Q26. Which of the following is NOT a consequence of the ‘Loo’ in western Rajasthan?
Explanation
The Loo dries out the soil, causes heatstroke and wilts unprotected vegetation. Violent thunderstorms and hail are not a consequence of it, so D is the exception.
Q27. Identify the correct statement concerning the spatial distribution of ‘Mawath’ (winter rainfall) in Rajasthan.
Explanation
Mawath, the winter rain from western disturbances, is heaviest in the north-west of Rajasthan and decreases towards the south and south-east.
Q28. Arrange the following major climatic regions of Rajasthan in the correct sequence moving generally from West to East:
I. Humid Region
II. Arid Region
III. Semi-arid Region
IV. Sub-humid Region
Select the correct sequence using the options below:
I. Humid Region
II. Arid Region
III. Semi-arid Region
IV. Sub-humid Region
Select the correct sequence using the options below:
Explanation
Moving from west to east, the climatic regions are arid, semi-arid, sub-humid and humid, as rainfall increases in that direction.Answer key for these questions
| Q | Correct answer |
|---|---|
| 21 | (c) Windward location relative to moisture- laden Bay of Bengal winds entering from the east. |
| 22 | (a) A-ii, B-iv, C-i, D-iii |
| 23 | (d) Hanumangarh |
| 24 | (b) III and IV |
| 25 | (c) Five |
| 26 | (d) Sudden onset of violent thunderstorms and heavy hail. |
| 27 | (a) Intensity decreases from the northwest towards the south and southeast. |
| 28 | (a) II, III, IV, 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.