Q1. Which of the following is not correct?
(a) Doldrums – Equatorial low pressure zone
(b) Hurricane – A wind having a mean velocity of less than 100 km per hour
(c) New Moore Island – India
(d) Alluvium – Rann of Kutch
(UPSC Prelims 1983)
Answer: (b) Hurricane – A wind having a mean velocity of less than 100 km per hour
Explanation: A hurricane is a violent tropical storm with wind speeds well above 100 km/h, often exceeding 120 km/h. The statement incorrectly defines its velocity, making it factually inaccurate.
Q2. What does ‘Roaring Forties’ refer to ?
(a) The tract of stormy westerly winds between latitudes 20–30°S
(b) Whirl winds caused in Atlantic Ocean
(c) The region between latitudes 40° and 50°S, where the prevailing westerly winds blow over the open oceans with great regularity and strength
(d) None of these
(UPSC Prelims 1984)
Answer: (c) The region between latitudes 40° and 50°S, where the prevailing westerly winds blow over the open oceans with great regularity and strength.
Explanation: The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere between 40° and 50°S latitude. These winds are persistent and powerful, especially over the open oceans, aiding maritime navigation but also causing rough seas.
Q3. Given : Humidity- H High-A Wind Velocity-W Low-B Temperature-T
The desert cooler is an appropriate cooling device for regions where
(a) H-A, W-A, T-B
(b) H-B, W-B, T-A
(c) H-A, W-B, T-B
(d) H-A, W-A, T-A
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (b) H-B, W-B, T-A
Explanation: Desert coolers work best in regions with low humidity (H-B), low wind velocity (W-B), and high temperature (T-A). These conditions allow evaporative cooling to be most effective.
Q4. Trade winds are caused by the
(a) Revolution of the earth
(b) Rotation of the earth
(c) In flowing movement of air along the earth’s surface towards the equator
(d) None of the above
(UPSC Prelims 1985)
Answer: (c) In flowing movement of air along the earth’s surface towards the equator
Explanation: Trade winds result from air movement from high-pressure subtropical zones to low-pressure equatorial zones. The Earth’s rotation and Coriolis effect influence their direction, but the primary cause is pressure gradient flow.