Climatology

19 UPSC Mains GS I questions on Climatology, 2013 to 2026, newest first, as UPSC set them. See also practice questions on Climatology toppers answered.

1. 2026 Q5“Tundra regions are ecologically fragile but economically important.” Examine this statement critically.10 marks · 150 words
2. 2026 Q14Compare the Loo, Chinook and Foehn winds with respect to their regions of prevalence, their nature and climatic impacts.15 marks · 250 words
3. 2024 Q15What are aurora australis and aurora borealis? How are these triggered?15 marks · 250 words
4. 2024 Q16What is a twister? Why are the majority of twisters observed in areas around the Gulf of Mexico?15 marks · 250 words
5. 2023 Q7Why is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region?10 marks · 150 words
6. 2023 Q15Identify and discuss the factors responsible for diversity of natural vegetation in India. Assess the significance of wildlife sanctuaries in rain forest regions of India.15 marks · 250 words
7. 2022 Q17Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How ?15 marks · 250 words
8. 2021 Q14Briefly mention the alignment of major mountain ranges of the world and explain their impact on local weather conditions, with examples.15 marks · 250 words
9. 2020 Q5The process of desertification does not have climatic boundaries. Justify with examples.10 marks · 150 words
10. 2017 Q8How does the cryosphere affect global climate ?10 marks · 150 words
11. 2017 Q17What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia ?15 marks · 250 words
12. 2016 Q13Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.12.5 marks · 200 words
13. 2015 Q14Explain the factors responsible for the origin of ocean currents. How do they influence regional climates, fishing and navigation ?12.5 marks · 200 words
14. 2015 Q15Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so ?12.5 marks · 200 words
15. 2015 Q18How far do you agree that the behaviour of the Indian monsoon has been changing due to humanizing landscapes ? Discuss.12.5 marks · 200 words
16. 2014 Q16Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree ?10 marks · 150 words
17. 2013 Q20(a)Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.5 marks · 100 words
18. 2013 Q20(b)What do you understand by the phenomenon of ‘temperature inversion’ in meteorology? How does it affect weather and the habitants of the place?5 marks · 100 words
19. 2013 Q21Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20–30 deg N latitudes and on the western side of the continents. Why?10 marks · 200 words

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination question papers, upsc.gov.in. Topics are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.