UPSC Prelims 2003 · General Studies

Question 109: Geography

Assertion (A): The amount of moisture in the atmosphere is related to latitude. Reason (R): The capacity to hold moisture in the form of water vapour is related to temperature.

aBoth A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A

bBoth A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A

cA is true but R is false

dA is false but R is true

AnswerThe answer is (a).

The moisture in the air varies with latitude, being highest near the equator and lower towards the poles, so A is true. R is also true: warm air can hold much more water vapour than cold air. R explains A because temperature falls from the equator to the poles, so the amount of moisture the air can carry follows latitude.

A. Atmospheric moisture is highest near the equator and falls towards the poles.
R. Warm air holds more vapour, and temperature varies with latitude, so R explains A.

How you could have got this

If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (d) goes. Then judge the second statement; if it is correct too, decide whether it explains the first.

This follows an unofficial answer: UPSC has not published its key for this year, and if that answer is wrong, so is this path.

Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Correct: both true and R explains A.
(b) R does explain A, so 'not the explanation' fails.
(c) R is true, so 'R false' fails.
(d) A is true, so 'A false' fails.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2003, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.