UPSC CSE Prelims
Pressure Belts and Winds Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Practice solved questions for Pressure Belts and Winds with detailed step-by-step solutions, key insights, and trend analysis for UPSC CSE PRELIMS.
Solved Previous Year Questions
Filter & practice questions topic-wise
Consider the following statements:
- Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
- Only some cyclones develop an eye.
- The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — 2 only
Only statement 2 is correct. Jet streams occur in both hemispheres, not just the Northern Hemisphere. The eye of a cyclone is warmer than its surroundings due to adiabatic heating from subsiding air, not cooler. Only strong tropical cyclones develop a well-defined eye structure.
✅ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Jet streams occur in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at high altitudes (10-15 km), not exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Only some cyclones, particularly intense tropical cyclones (hurricanes/typhoons), develop a well-defined eye at their center.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: The eye of a cyclone is warmer (2-10°C higher) than the surroundings due to adiabatic heating from subsiding air, not cooler.
📝 Short Notes: Tropical Cyclones and Jet Streams
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Jet Streams | Fast-moving air currents at 10-15 km altitude; occur in both hemispheres; located at boundaries between troposphere and stratosphere; influence weather patterns |
| Cyclone Eye | Calm, low-pressure center found only in intense cyclones; characterized by clear skies, light winds, and warmer temperatures |
| Eye Temperature | 2-10°C warmer than surroundings due to subsiding air compressing and heating adiabatically |
| Eye Wall | Ring of thunderstorms surrounding the eye; contains the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall |
| Cyclone Formation | Requires sea surface temperature >27°C, Coriolis force, low wind shear, and atmospheric instability |
Consider the following statements:
- The winds that blow between 30 degrees N and 60 degrees S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies.
- The moist air masses that cause winter rains in the North-Western region of India are part of westerlies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: Westerlies blow between 30° and 60° latitudes in both hemispheres (i.e., 30°–60° N and 30°–60° S separately), not between 30° N and 60° S as stated.
✅ Statement 2 – Correct: Western disturbances originating over the Mediterranean region bring winter rains to North-Western India and are carried by westerlies.
The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons?
- Thermal difference between land and water
- Variation in altitude between continents and oceans
- Presence of strong winds in the interior
- Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Detailed Explanation:
✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Thermal difference between land and water is the primary reason. Land has low specific heat capacity and heats/cools rapidly, while water has high specific heat capacity causing slow temperature changes. Coastal areas experience moderating effect from oceans, reducing annual temperature range, whereas continental interiors lack this maritime influence and show extreme seasonal variations.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Variation in altitude affects absolute temperature but does not explain the difference in annual range between coast and interior. Both regions have altitude variations.
❌ Statement 3 – Incorrect: Strong winds in the interior do not cause higher annual range; rather, coastal winds help moderate temperatures by bringing maritime influence.
❌ Statement 4 – Incorrect: Coastal areas typically receive more rainfall than continental interiors due to moisture from oceans. Rainfall does not explain higher temperature range inland.
🧐 Not Sure What to Study Next?
Get a personalised study plan based on your goals, time and revision needs.
Related Topics in World Geography
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pressure Belts and Winds in UPSC CSE PRELIMS