UPSC Prelims 1996 · General Studies
Question 45: Geography
High temperature and low pressure over the Indian sub-continent during the summer season, draws air from the Indian Ocean leading to the in-blowing of the
AnswerThe answer is (b).
In summer the Indian land mass heats up, creating low pressure over north-west India. This draws moisture-laden air from the southern Indian Ocean; the south-east trades cross the equator, turn right under the Coriolis effect and blow over India as the south-west monsoon. Remember: summer heat low - south-west monsoon; winter high - north-east monsoon.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The south-east trades turn into south-west winds after crossing the equator; there is no south-east monsoon over India.
- (b) Right: the heat low draws in the south-west monsoon.
- (c) Trade winds blow towards the equator; the monsoon is a seasonal reversal.
- (d) Westerlies are mid-latitude winds; in winter they bring western disturbances to north India.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1996, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.