All Exams  >   UPPSC (UP)  >   6 Months Preparation Course for UPPSC  >   MCQ Questions

Climatology MCQs for UPPSC (UP) Exam

It covers all Important Questions with answers on Climatology for the UPPSC (UP) exam. The questions are based on important topics. Details about the questions:
  • Topic: Climatology
  • Type of Questions: MCQs with solutions
  • Number of Questions: 39
  • You can attempt them on EduRev to score high in UPPSC (UP) exam.

Nitrogen is a major constituent of the atmosphere comprising about 79% of the atmospheric gases. Consider the following about it:
1. It is an essential constituent of organic compounds such as amino acids and protein.
2. The principal source of free nitrogen is the action of soil microorganisms and associated plant roots on atmospheric nitrogen.
Which of the above is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ayushi Jain answered
Both options are correct The organic compounds are the amino acids, nucleic acids, proteins, vitamins and pigments.Generally, nitrogen is usable only after it is fixed. 90% of fixed nitrogen is biological.Only a few types of organisms like certain species of soil bacteria and blue-green algae are capable of utilising it directly in its gaseous form.

Out of the total solar insolation that reaches the Earth’s surface, most is used by plants for
  • a)
    Respiration
  • b)
    Photosynthesis
  • c)
    Storage
  • d)
    Movement of minerals and fluids
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Amit Kumar answered
Only a very small fraction (0.1%) is fixed in photosynthesis. More than half is used for plant respiration and the remaining part is temporarily stored or is shifted to other portions of the plant. This energy captured from the Sun further reduces when we pass to higher trophic levels.

Regarding humidity consider the following statements:
1. Absolute humidity is the water content of the air.
2. Relative humidity, expressed as a per cent, measures the current absolute humidity relative to the maximum for that temperature.
3. Specific humidity is a ratio of the water vapour content of the mixture to the total air content on a mass basis.
Which of the above is/are incorrect?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    3 only
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nisha Chavan answered
Explanation:

Absolute Humidity:
Absolute humidity refers to the actual amount of moisture present in the air, regardless of temperature. It is a measure of the total water vapor content in a given volume of air and is usually expressed in grams per cubic meter (g/m3) or grams per kilogram (g/kg).

Relative Humidity:
Relative humidity is the ratio of the actual amount of moisture present in the air to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a particular temperature. It is expressed as a percentage and provides a measure of how close the air is to saturation. Relative humidity is dependent on both the temperature and the absolute humidity.

Specific Humidity:
Specific humidity is a measure of the actual amount of moisture present in the air on a mass basis. It is the ratio of the mass of water vapor to the total mass of the air parcel. Specific humidity is expressed in grams per kilogram (g/kg) and is not dependent on temperature.

Analysis of the Statements:
1. Absolute humidity is the water content of the air.
This statement is correct. Absolute humidity refers to the actual amount of moisture present in the air.

2. Relative humidity, expressed as a per cent, measures the current absolute humidity relative to the maximum for that temperature.
This statement is correct. Relative humidity is a measure of the current absolute humidity relative to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a particular temperature.

3. Specific humidity is a ratio of the water vapor content of the mixture to the total air content on a mass basis.
This statement is incorrect. Specific humidity is a ratio of the water vapor content of the mixture to the total mass of the air parcel, not the total air content. It is not dependent on temperature.

Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, statement 3 is incorrect, while statements 1 and 2 are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'D' - None of the above.

The Roaring Forties are strong westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere. They are caused due to
1. Air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole
2. Earth's rotation
3. Equatorial counter-currents
4. Thermal dipole created in the Pacific Ocean
Select the correct answer using the codes below:
  • a)
    1, 3 and 4 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 2 only
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Verma answered
  • Hot air rises at the Equator and is pushed towards the poles by cooler air travelling towards the Equator (an atmospheric circulation feature known as the Hadley cell).
  • At about 30 degrees from the equator, the outward-travelling air sinks to lower altitudes, and continues towards the poles closer to the ground (the Ferrel Cell), then rises again from about 60 degrees as the air joins the Polar vortex.
  • This travel in the 30 to 60-degree zone combines with the rotation of the Earth to move the air currents from west to east, creating westerly winds.

Coastal places like Kolkata and Mumbai experience humid and moderate weather. Why?
  • a)
    Due to their continentality
  • b)
    Due to the flowing of sea and land breezes
  • c)
    Due to their low elevation as compared to nearby regions
  • d)
    Due to the less frequency of eastern cyclonic disturbances.
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Vt Sir - Kota answered
  • Continentality means that the more a place is surrounded by land, the more extreme its weather will be because land heats faster as compared to the sea.
  • Opposed to this, closeness to the sea moderates weather because in the day the sea heats slower than land. This cool sea breeze blows across the land, thus reducing the day temperatures.
In the night the sea cools down slower. And the exact opposite happens. This keeps the temperature moderate.

Consider the following statements:
1. As the air gets warmer, it's capacity to hold moisture increases if all other things are constant.
2. The white trail left by jets is due to the condensation of moisture from their engines.
3. Cyclonic rainfall is caused in the meeting of warm and cold air.
Which of these statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    All of the above
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

  1. As the air gets warmer, its capacity to hold moisture increases if all other things are constant.
    This statement is correct. Warmer air can hold more moisture because the saturation vapor pressure of water increases with temperature. This is why humid conditions are more common in warm environments.
  2. The white trail left by jets is due to the condensation of moisture from their engines.
    This statement is also correct. Jet engines burn fuel, producing water vapor as a byproduct. When this hot vapor is released into the cold upper atmosphere, it condenses and freezes into tiny ice crystals, forming a visible white trail called a contrail.
  3. Cyclonic rainfall is caused by the meeting of warm and cold air.
    This statement is also correct. Cyclonic or frontal rainfall occurs when warm and cold air masses meet. The warm air, being lighter, rises over the cold air, cools down, and condenses to form clouds and precipitation.
Since all three statements are correct, the correct answer is option a, all of the above.

Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): Warmer air will always have more moisture than cooler air.
Reason (R): The capacity of air to hold moisture in the form of water vapour is related to air temperature.
In the context of the above, which of these is correct?
  • a)
    A is correct, and R is an appropriate explanation of A.
  • b)
    A is correct, but R is not an appropriate explanation of A.
  • c)
    A is correct, but R is incorrect.
  • d)
    A is incorrect, but R is correct.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

  • Assertion (A) is incorrect because while warmer air can hold more moisture than cooler air, it does not necessarily mean that it always has more moisture. The actual moisture content in the air depends on various factors, including humidity levels, atmospheric conditions, and sources of moisture. Even warm air can be dry if there is no moisture source.
  • Reason (R) is correct because the capacity of air to hold moisture is directly related to temperature. Warmer air has a higher saturation vapor pressure, meaning it can hold more water vapor before reaching saturation and condensing. This explains why humid regions often feel more oppressive in warm conditions.
Therefore, Correct Answer - Option D

These clouds are formed at high altitudes (8,000-12,000 m). They are thin and detached clouds having a feathery appearance. They are always white in colour.
The above description refers to which type of cloud?
  • a)
    Cumulus
  • b)
    Cirrus
  • c)
    Cumulonimbus
  • d)
    Stratus
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Alok Shah answered
Explanation:
Cirrus clouds are formed at high altitudes, typically between 8,000 and 12,000 meters. They are thin and detached clouds that have a feathery appearance. These clouds are always white in color.

Characteristics of Cirrus clouds:
- High altitude: Cirrus clouds form at high altitudes in the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere.
- Thin and detached: Cirrus clouds are thin and wispy in appearance. They are often seen as individual strands or patches rather than a continuous layer.
- Feathery appearance: Cirrus clouds have a characteristic feathery or fibrous appearance. They have a delicate and ethereal quality, resembling the tail of a horse or a mare's tail.
- White color: Cirrus clouds are always white in color. This is because they are composed of ice crystals, which scatter and reflect sunlight, giving them a bright and white appearance.

Other types of clouds:
a) Cumulus clouds: Cumulus clouds are large, puffy clouds that have a flat base and a rounded top. They are often associated with fair weather, but can also develop into cumulonimbus clouds, which are associated with thunderstorms.
c) Cumulonimbus clouds: Cumulonimbus clouds are large and vertically developed clouds that can reach high altitudes. They are associated with thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, and sometimes hail.
d) Stratus clouds: Stratus clouds are low-lying clouds that form in a uniform layer. They often cover the entire sky and can be gray or white in color. Stratus clouds are typically associated with overcast weather and light precipitation.

In conclusion, the description provided in the question matches the characteristics of Cirrus clouds, which are thin, detached, feathery clouds that form at high altitudes and are always white in color. Hence, the correct answer is option 'B' - Cirrus.

Consider the following statements:
1. Aerosols in the atmosphere increase the river flow.
2. Aerosols can also destroy stratospheric ozone.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1 only
  • b)
    2 only
  • c)
    Both 1 and 2
  • d)
    None of the above
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Kapoor answered
  • Scattering of sunlight by aerosols can reduce visibility (haze) and provide the red colour during sunrises and sunsets. The Earth’s atmosphere was drastically affected by the dispersal of volcanic aerosols.
  • Air pollution can lead to an increase in the water flowing through rivers. Pollutants known as aerosols reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth’s atmosphere.
  • This reduces evaporation, thus increasing river flow. During the 1980s, river flow in the central European river basin went up by 25% when aerosol levels in the region were at their peak. The study might help in dealing with water shortage, which is likely to be one of the biggest impacts of climate change.

Consider the following statements about Dew point.
1. Dew point is the temperature at which the atmosphere is saturated with water vapour.
2. The dew point indicates the humidity.
3. A higher dew point means there will be less moisture in the air.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
  • a)
    1, 3
  • b)
    2, 3
  • c)
    1, 2
  • d)
    1, 2, 3
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Zara Khan answered
Dew point, the temperature at which the atmosphere is saturated with water vapour when it is cooled without changing its pressure or vapour content. A given volume of air containing much water vapour has a higher dew point than the same volume of drier air; thus, the dew point indicates the humidity. In meteorology, the dew point is applied, for example, in predicting the height of the base of certain types of clouds. A higher dew point means there will be more moisture in the air.

Which among the following greenhouse gases has the longest lifecycle in the atmosphere?
  • a)
    Water vapour
  • b)
    Nitrous oxide
  • c)
    Methane
  • d)
    Sulphur hexafluoride
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikram Kapoor answered
  • Water vapour is a very effective absorber of heat energy in the air, but it does not accumulate in the atmosphere in the same way as the other greenhouse gases. This is down to it having a very short atmospheric lifetime, of the order of hours to days because it is rapidly removed as rain and snow.
  • Nitrous oxide is destroyed in the stratosphere and removed from the atmosphere more slowly than methane, persisting for around 114 years.
  • Methane is mostly removed from the atmosphere by chemical reaction, persisting for about 12 years. Thus, although methane is a potent greenhouse gas, its effect is relatively short-lived.
  • SF6 is included in the Kyoto Protocol because, molecule-for-molecule, it is a powerful greenhouse gas with a long (>1000 years) lifetime in the atmosphere. The signatory nations are thus committed to controlling the rate of its production.

The thickness of the troposphere varies around the planet.
The troposphere is thickest at
  • a)
    Poles
  • b)
    Equator
  • c)
    Subtropics
  • d)
    Temperate regions
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Zara Khan answered
The troposphere is thicker at the equator than at the poles because the equator is warmer. The convection currents of air expand the thickness of the troposphere (atmosphere) at poles. Thus, the simple reason is thermal expansion of the atmosphere at the equator and thermal contraction near the poles.

Albedo is a critical factor in determining the warming of the atmosphere via indirect radiation. Which among the following materials is likely to have the lowest albedo?
  • a)
    Thick cloud
  • b)
    Fresh snow in Antarctica
  • c)
    Moist ploughed soil
  • d)
    Mirror
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshara Desai answered
The concept of albedo refers to the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight back into space. The higher the albedo of a surface, the more sunlight it reflects, resulting in less absorption and less warming of the atmosphere. Conversely, a lower albedo means that a surface absorbs more sunlight, leading to more warming.

Lowest albedo: Moist ploughed soil

Moist ploughed soil is likely to have the lowest albedo among the given options. This is because soil is generally dark in color, which means that it absorbs more sunlight. Additionally, moist soil tends to be more reflective than dry soil, but still absorbs more sunlight than other materials like snow and clouds.

Other options and their albedo

- Thick cloud: Clouds have a high albedo, as they reflect a significant amount of sunlight back into space. Therefore, thick cloud is unlikely to have the lowest albedo.
- Fresh snow in Antarctica: Snow has a high albedo, as it reflects sunlight very effectively. Therefore, fresh snow in Antarctica is also unlikely to have the lowest albedo.
- Mirror: Mirrors have a very high albedo, as they reflect almost all of the sunlight that falls on them. Therefore, a mirror is also unlikely to have the lowest albedo.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moist ploughed soil is likely to have the lowest albedo among the given options. This means that it absorbs more sunlight, leading to more warming of the atmosphere. It is important to understand the concept of albedo in order to better understand the impact of different surfaces and materials on the Earth's climate.

Which one of the following factors is not connected with the planetary wind system'?
  • a)
    Latitudinal variation of solar insolation and heating.
  • b)
    Earth's rotation on its axis.
  • c)
    Migration of the pressure belts due to the apparent path of the Sun.
  • d)
    All of the above are connected with the planetary wind system.
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Kapoor answered
The general distribution of winds throughout the lower atmosphere is known as planetary winds. Confined within some latitudinal belts, these winds blow rather regularly throughout the year and are basically controlled by the latitudinal pressure belts.
  • The main planetary winds are (i) the North-east and the South-east Trade winds, (ii) the Temperate Westerlies and (iii) the Polar Easterlies, which blow from the polar high-pressure area to the temperate low-. Pressure area.
  • All of them are affected by Coriolis force (Earth's rotation on its axis), and migration of pressure belts apart from how heat patterns vary across the Earth (creating pressure difference).
  • Which of the following factors affects the generation and flow of Equatorial Westerlies?
    1. Movement of Inter-tropical convergence zone
    2. Coriolis force caused due to the rotation of Earth
    Which of the above is/are correct?
    • a)
      1 only
    • b)
      2 only
    • c)
      Both 1 and 2
    • d)
      None of the above
    Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

    Jaya Nair answered
    The westerly winds develop within the equatorial trough when the Intertropical Convergence Zone is well north or south of the Equator. The northeasterly or southeasterly trade winds cross the Equator and, because of the reversal of the Coriolis effect, acquire a westerly component. The term is also applied to the westerlies that arc present throughout most of the year in the eastern Indian Ocean.

    Which of the following regions is more likely to receive more than 200 cm of annual rainfall?
    1. Western coasts of cool temperate zones
    2. Coastal areas of monsoon land
    3. Central parts of tropical land
    Choose the correct answer using the codes below:
    • a)
      1 and 2 only
    • b)
      2 and 3 only
    • c)
      1 and 3 only
    • d)
      All of the above
    Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

    Anshika Basak answered
    Explanation:

    To determine which of the given regions is more likely to receive more than 200 cm of annual rainfall, let's examine each option individually:

    1. Western coasts of cool temperate zones:
    The cool temperate zones are characterized by moderate temperatures and are located between the polar regions and the subtropics. The western coasts of these zones, such as the western coasts of North America and Europe, are influenced by oceanic currents, which bring moisture-laden air from the oceans. This results in higher levels of precipitation in these regions. Moreover, the presence of mountain ranges along the western coasts further enhances rainfall due to orographic lifting. Therefore, it is likely that the western coasts of cool temperate zones receive more than 200 cm of annual rainfall.

    2. Coastal areas of monsoon land:
    Monsoon land refers to regions that experience a monsoon climate. Monsoons are characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, with heavy rainfall occurring during the wet season. Coastal areas are particularly susceptible to monsoon rains due to the influence of maritime air masses. The warm and moist air from the ocean converges with landmasses, leading to the formation of convective clouds and subsequent rainfall. Therefore, coastal areas of monsoon land are also likely to receive more than 200 cm of annual rainfall.

    3. Central parts of tropical land:
    Tropical regions are known for their high temperatures and abundant rainfall. The central parts of tropical land are often characterized by dense rainforests, which receive a significant amount of rainfall. The convergence of trade winds and the presence of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) contribute to the high levels of precipitation in these regions. Therefore, the central parts of tropical land are also likely to receive more than 200 cm of annual rainfall.

    Conclusion:
    Based on the analysis above, it can be concluded that options 1 and 2 are more likely to receive more than 200 cm of annual rainfall. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 and 2 only.

    Consider the following stages in the development of the atmosphere on Earth in the initial stages:
    1. Loss of the primordial atmosphere.
    2. Hot interior of the Earth contributed to the evolution of the atmosphere.
    3. Process of photosynthesis contributed to changing the gases in the atmosphere.
    Choose the correct order of evolution:
    • a)
      1, 2, 3
    • b)
      1, 3, 2
    • c)
      2, 1 , 3
    • d)
      2, 3, 1
    Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

    Neha Verma answered
    • The evolution of the present atmosphere is a three-stage process. During the first stage, the primordial atmosphere disappeared. In the second stage, the evolution of the atmosphere is subsidised by the hot interior of the Earth. In the final stage, the process of photosynthesis in the living world modified the composition of the atmosphere.
    • The early atmosphere is believed to have disappeared due to the solar winds. The solar wind affects not only the Earth but also all the terrestrial planets, which were supposed to have lost their primordial atmosphere in the same way.

    Consider the following statements on atmosphere:
    1. Important feature of the stratosphere is that it contains a layer of ozone gas.
    2. Meteorites burn up in the mesosphere on entering from space.
    3. Almost all the weather phenomena like rainfall, fog and hailstorms occur in the troposphere.
    Which of the above statements is/are correct?
    • a)
      1 and 2 only
    • b)
      2 and 3 only
    • c)
      3 only
    • d)
      All of the above
    Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

    Sanjay Rana answered
    • Troposphere: The most important layer of the atmosphere with an average height of 13 km. It contains the air that we breathe. Almost all the weather phenomena (rainfall, fog and hailstorm) happen in this layer.
    • Stratosphere: Lies above the troposphere, with height extending up to 50 km. This layer is also associated with weather phenomenon. This layer is free from clouds and most ideal for flying aeroplanes. The important feature of this layer is the presence of a layer of ozone gas. We have just learnt its protective action against the harmful effect of the Sun’s rays.
    • Mesosphere: Third layer that lies above the stratosphere, with a height that extends up to 80 km. Meteorites bum upon entering from the space.

    Chapter doubts & questions for Climatology - 6 Months Preparation Course for UPPSC 2026 is part of UPPSC (UP) exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the UPPSC (UP) exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for UPPSC (UP) 2026 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

    Chapter doubts & questions of Climatology - 6 Months Preparation Course for UPPSC in English & Hindi are available as part of UPPSC (UP) exam. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPPSC (UP) Exam by signing up for free.

    Top Courses UPPSC (UP)