UPSC Prelims 2015 · GS Paper I
Question 80: Geography
"Each day is more or less the same, the morning is clear and bright with a sea breeze; as the Sun climbs high in the sky, heat mounts up, dark clouds form, then rain comes with thunder and lightning. But rain is soon over."
Which of the following regions is described in the above passage?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (b).
The passage describes the equatorial climate: every day is almost the same, with clear mornings and a sea breeze, then heat building up, convectional clouds forming in the afternoon, and short rain with thunder and lightning. Rainfall is heavy throughout the year, and temperatures are uniformly high. Savannah has a dry season, monsoon rain is seasonal, and the Mediterranean has dry summers.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Savannah has distinct wet and dry seasons, not daily afternoon rain.
- (b) Correct: daily convectional afternoon rain with thunder is the equatorial pattern.
- (c) The monsoon region has a marked seasonal rain reversal, not identical days.
- (d) The Mediterranean has hot dry summers and winter rain.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2015, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.