Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams
Subject : Geography (22 November 2023)
1. Consider the following statements
1.The pressure gradient is strong where the isobars are close to each other.
2. The Coriolis force acts parallel to the pressure gradient force.
3. Coriolis force deflects the wind to the left direction in the northern hemisphere.
How many of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (A)
Explanation: Pressure Gradient Force is caused due difference in the pressure between two regions. The rate of change of pressure with respect to distance is the pressure gradient. The pressure gradient is strong where the isobars are close to each other and is weak where the isobars are apart. The rotation of the earth about its axis affects the direction of the wind. This force is called the Coriolis force. It deflects the wind to the right direction in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere. The Coriolis force acts perpendicular to the pressure gradient force. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
2. Consider the following statements regarding Air Masses:
1. It is defined as a large body of air having larger horizontal variation in temperature and moisture.
2. Warm tropical and subtropical oceans are source regions for formation of air masses.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (B)
Explanation: When the air remains over a homogenous area for a sufficiently longer time, it acquires the characteristics of the area. The homogenous regions can be the vast ocean surface or vast plains. The air with distinctive characteristics in terms of temperature and humidity is called an air mass. It is defined as a large body of air having little horizontal variation in temperature and moisture. The homogenous surfaces, over which air masses form, are called the source regions. The air masses are classified according to the source regions. There are five major source regions. These are:
(i) Warm tropical and subtropical oceans;
(ii) The subtropical hot deserts;
(iii) The relatively cold high latitude oceans;
(iv) The very cold snow-covered continents in high latitudes;
(v) Permanently ice covered continents in the Arctic and Antarctica. Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
3. With reference to Aurora or Northern lights, consider the following statements:
1. Auroras are the glowing lights at high latitude.
2. Auroras can be normally observed in stratosphere.
3. Change in the atmospheric temperature cause Auroras.
How many of the above statement is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (A)
Explanation: An aurora, sometimes referred to as polar lights, northern lights (aurora borealis) or southern lights (aurora australis), is a natural light display in the Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in the high latitude regions (around the Arctic and Antarctic). Auroras are produced when the magnetosphere is sufficiently disturbed by the solar wind. It usually occurs in upper atmosphere (thermosphere/exosphere) due to Earth’s magnetic field. Hence, only statement 1 is correct.
4. Hot Spots within the earth help produce Geothermal Energy. What are these ‘Hot Spots’?
(a) Areas of intense magnetic activity within the upper mantle
(b) Areas of intense pressure inside the mantle
(c) Regions of high volcanism on earth’s surface
(d) Region in crust where hot molten rocks are trapped
Answer: (D)
Explanation: Due to geological changes, molten rocks formed in the deeper hot regions of earth’s crust are pushed upward and trapped in certain regions called ‘hot spots’. When underground water comes in contact with the hot spot, steam is generated. Sometimes hot water from that region finds outlets at the surface. Such outlets are known as hot springs. Hence, option (d) is correct.
5. Consider the following statements regarding Hurricanes:
1. Storms that form over the Atlantic Ocean or central and eastern North Pacific with their wind speed around 100 miles per hour are called hurricanes.
2. Warm ocean water and moist, humid air is not conducive for the formation of Hurricanes.
3. Hurricane activity is common for North America from June through November with peaking in September.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The typical “season” for hurricanes is shifting, as climate warming creates conditions conducive to storms in more months of the year. And hurricanes are also making landfall in regions far outside the historic norm. As for timing, hurricane activity is common for North America from June through November, peaking in September – after a summertime buildup of warm water conditions. Hurricanes need two main ingredients — warm ocean water and moist, humid air. When warm seawater evaporates, its heat energy is transferred to the atmosphere. This fuels the storm’s winds to strengthen. Without it, hurricanes can’t intensify and will fizzle out. Storms that form over the Atlantic Ocean or central and eastern North Pacific are called “hurricanes” when their wind speeds reach at least 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour). Up to that point, they’re known as “tropical storms.” Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
