2024 GS Paper I, all questions

UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I

Question 4: Geography

Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January ?

  1. 1.The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.
  2. 2.The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.

Select the answer using the code given below :

a1 only
b2 only
cBoth 1 and 2
dNeither 1 nor 2

AnswerUPSC’s answer is (a).

In January (northern winter) the oceans are warmer than the land at the same latitude, so isotherms bend towards the north over oceans and towards the south over continents. Statement 2 fails because the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Drift are warm currents, not cold ones; they warm the North Atlantic, which is why the isotherms bend northward there. Remember: warm currents raise temperatures, cold currents lower them.

  • 1. In January isotherms go north over the warmer oceans and south over the colder continents.
  • 2. The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm currents; they warm the North Atlantic.

How you could have got this

  1. If you were sure statement 1 is correct, (b) and (d) go: each of them leaves 1 out.

    What you needed to know: In January isotherms go north over the warmer oceans and south over the colder continents.

  2. Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (c) goes: it includes 2.

    What you needed to know: The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm currents; they warm the North Atlantic.

Only (a) is left. This one needs every statement.

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) Right: Statement 1 is correct and Statement 2 wrongly calls the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift cold.
  • (b) Wrong: Statement 2 is false because those currents are warm.
  • (c) Wrong: Statement 2 is not correct.
  • (d) Wrong: Statement 1 is a correct inference from January isotherm maps.

Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.