1. In the Hadley cell thermal circulation, air rises up and finally descends at [UPSC CDS-2 2020]
(a) Intertropical convergence zone
(b) Doldrums
(c) Subtropical high-pressure cells
(d) Equatorial troughs
2. To a person on the moon, the sky appears
(a) White
(b) Black
(c) Blue
(d) Orange
3. Atmospheric temperature increases at the higher altitudes due to
(a) Convection
(b) Radiation
(c) Conduction
(d) Inversion
4. Trade winds are caused by the
(a) Revolution of the earth
(b) Rotation of the earth
(c) In flowing movement of air along the earth’s surface towards the equator
(d) None of the above
5. Which one of the following processes is not a part of long-wave radiation? [UPSC CAPF 2018]
(a) Conduction
(b) Scattering
(c) Convection
(d) Radiation
6. Humidity of the air
(a) Increases with the increase in atmospheric temperature
(b) Decreases with the increase in atmospheric temperature
(c) Is not affected by the change in atmospheric temperature
(d) Does not show any consistent behaviour with the change in atmospheric temperature
7. Which one among the following local winds is not characteristically hot and dry? [UPSC CAPF 2011]
(a) Sirocco
(b) Mistral
(c) Khamsin
(d) Chinook
8. Relative humidity? [UPSC CAPF 2011]
(a) increases with increased temperature
(b) decreases with increased temperature
(c) decreases with decreased temperature
(d) has no relation with increase or decrease of temperature
9. Which one of the following layers of atmosphere has high concentration of ions’? [UPSC CAPF 2016]
(a) Stratosphere
(b) Exosphere
(c) Thermosphere
(d) Troposphere
10. Which one of the following instruments is used for measuring moisture content of air? [UPSC CAPF 2017]
(a) Hydrometer
(b) Hygrometer
(c) Hypsometer
(d) Pycnometer
11. Which one of the following statements is not correct? [UPSC CAPF 2016]
(a) The rate of evaporation depends on temperature
(b) The rate of evaporation does not depend on surface area exposed to the atmosphere but on volume of the liquid
(c) The rate of evaporation depends on humidity of the surroundings
(d) The rate of evaporation depends on the wind speed
12. Human activities in the recent past have caused the increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but a lot of it does not remain in the lower atmosphere because of
1. its escape into the outer stratosphere.
2. the photosynthesis by phytoplankton in the oceans.
3. the trapping of air in the polar ice caps.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC CSE 2011]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
13. A layer in the Earth’s atmosphere called Ionosphere facilitates radio communication. Why? [UPSC CSE 2011]
1. The presence of ozone causes the reflection of radio waves to Earth.
2. Radio waves have a very long wavelength.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
14. Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in northern hemisphere. Why? [UPSC CSE 2011]
1. Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere.
2. Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
15. The jet aircrafts fly very easily and smoothly in the lower stratosphere. What could be the appropriate explanation? [UPSC CSE 2011]
1. There are no clouds or water vapour in the lower stratosphere.
2. There are no vertical winds in the lower stratosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct in this context?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
16. With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements: [UPSC CSE 2021]
1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of ground water.
2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
17. Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night? [UPSC CSE 2019]
(a) Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth’s surface.
(b) Clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation.
(c) The Earth’s surface would have the low temperature on cloudy nights.
(d) Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.
18. In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of the cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into the stratosphere? [UPSC CSE 2019]
(a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions
(b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones
(c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth
(d) Reducing the global warming
19. Consider the following phenomena: [UPSC CSE 2018]
1. Light is affected by gravity.
2. The Universe is constantly expanding.
3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.
Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
20. Consider the following statements: [UPSC CSE 2017]
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
21. Consider the following statements: [UPSC CSE 2015]
1. The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes through-out the year are known as westerlies.
2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
22. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason? [UPSC CSE 2015]
(a) Sea surface temperatures are low
(b) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs
(c) Coriolis force is too weak
(d) Absence of land in those regions
23. Rainbow is produced when sunlight falls on drops of rain. Which of the following physical phenomena are responsible for this? [UPSC CSE 2013]
1. Dispersion
2. Refraction
3. Internal reflection
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
24. Consider the following phenomena: [UPSC CSE 2013]
1. Size of the sun at dusk
2. Colour of the sun at dawn
3. Moon being visible at dawn
4. Twinkle of stars in the sky
5. Polestar being visible in the sky
Which of the above are optical illusions?
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 3, 4 and 5
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 5
25. During a thunderstorm, the thunder in the skies is produced by the [UPSC CSE 2013]
1. meeting of cumulonimbus clouds in the sky
2. lightning that separates the nimbus clouds
3. violent upward movement of air and water particles
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(C) 1 and 3
(d) None of the above produces the thunder
26. Which one of the following sets of elements was primarily responsible for the origin of life on the Earth? [UPSC CSE 2012]
(a) Hydrogen, Oxygen, Sodium
(b) Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen
(c) Oxygen, Calcium, Phosphorus
(d) Carbon, Hydrogen, Potassium
27. A person stood alone in a desert on a dark night and wanted to reach his village which was situated 5 km east of the point where he was standing. He had no instruments to find the direction but he located the polestar. The most convenient way now to reach his village is to walk in the ? [UPSC CSE 2012]
(a) direction facing the polestar
(b) direction opposite to the polestar
(c) direction keeping the polestar to his left
(d) direction keeping the polestar to his right
28. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs [UPSC CSE 2012]
(a) the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
(b) the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
(c) all the solar radiations
(d) the infrared part of the solar radiation
29. Normally, the temperature decreases with the increase in height from the Earth’s surface, because [UPSC CSE 2012]
1. the atmosphere can be heated upwards only from the Earth’s surface
2. there is more moisture in the upper atmosphere
3. the air is less dense in the upper atmosphere
Select the correct answer using the codes given below :
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
30. Electrically charged particles from space travelling at speeds of several hundred km/sec can severely harm living beings if they reach the surface of the Earth What prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth? [UPSC CSE 2012]
(a) The Earth’s magnetic field diverts them towards its poles
(b) Ozone layer around the Earth reflects them back to outer space
(c) Moisture in the upper layers of atmosphere prevents them from reaching the surface of the Earth
(d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct
31. The process by which heat is transmitted from the Sun to the Earth is called ? [UPSC CAPF 2011]
(a) Conduction
(b) Convection
(c) Radiation
(d) Cosmic disturbances
32. Which one among the following statements relating to a cyclone is not correct? [UPSC CAPF 2011]
(a) It is a wind circulation system with a low pressure at the centre
(b) It brings about sudden change in weather condition in an area
(c) Wind movement towards the low pressure centre of a cyclone is clockwise in the northern hemisphere
(d) It is known as hurricane in West Indies
33. Whenever a tropical cyclone moves to land much of its severity is reduced. This is because ? [UPSC CAPF 2012]
1. its source of moisture is cut off.
2. the friction over land kills tropical cyclones.
Select the correct answer using the code giver below.
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
34. The continent having the largest area in the equatorial belt is ? [UPSC CAPF 2013]
(a) Asia
(b) South America
(c) Africa
(d) North America
35. Which one among the following is the major occupation in equatorial region? [UPSC CAPF 2013]
(a) Growing of tropical crops
(b) Growing of cereals
(c) Growing of citrus fruits
(d) Animal rearing
36. The inner most region of a hurricane is known as hurricane-eye where ? [UPSC CAPF 2014]
(a) temperature is highest and pressure is the lowest
(b) temperature is lowest and pressure is the lowest
(c) sky is clear and temperature is the lowest
(d) sky is under dense cloud cover and pressure is the lowest
37. Consider the following statements relating to cyclone, anti-cyclone and trade wind.
1. The wind direction is clockwise in the cyclone of Northern hemisphere.
2. The planetary wind that blows from North-East to North-West is known as North-East trade wind
3. The wind direction is anti-clockwise in the anticyclone of Southern hemisphere.
4. Both westerlies and trade winds originate from sub-tropical highs.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC CAPF 2015]
(a) 3 and 4
(b) 1, 3 and 4
(c) Only 4
(d) 1, 2 and 3
38. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists. [UPSC CAPF 2015]
List I
(Tropical cyclone)
A. Cyclones
B. Hurricanes
C. Typhoons
D. Willy-willies
List II
(Location)
1. USA
2. East Asia
3. Australia
4. India
Code
A B C D
(a) 4 2 1 3
(b) 4 1 2 3
(c) 3 1 2 4
(d) 3 2 1 4
39. Which one of the following factors is not connected with planetary wind system? [UPSC CAPF 2015]
(a) Latitudinal variation of the atmospheric heating
(b) Emergence of the pressure belt
(c) Earth’s revolution around the Sun
(d) Migration of the pressure belts due to apparent path of the Sun
40. Under which of the following condition(s) the occluded fronts are created?
1. When the front remains stationary.
2. When cold air mass moves to warm air mass.
3. When warm air mass moves to cold air mass.
4. When an air mass is fully lifted above the land surface.
Select the correct answer using the code given below. [UPSC CAPF 2015]
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 and 4
(d) Only 4
41. Match list I with list II and select the correct answer using the code given below the lists. [UPSC CAPF 2016]
List I (Climate type in letter code) – List II (Major area)
A. Aw – 1. Central California
B. Af – 2. India Sub-continent
C. Cs – 3. North and South of Amazon Forests
D. Am – 4. Western Equatorial Africa
Code
A B C D
(a) 3 1 4 2
(b) 2 4 1 3
(c) 3 4 1 2
(d) 2 1 4 3
42. Which one of the following is NOT a favourable condition for occurrence of a thunderstorm ? [UPSC CAPF 2017]
(a) Conditional and convective instability
(b) Adequate supply of moisture in the lower atmosphere,
(c) Advection of cold dry air in the lower troposphere and warm moist air in the upper troposphere
(d) A synoptic situation of low level convergence and upper level divergence
43. Which of the following statements about tropical cyclone are correct? [UPSC CAPF 2018]
1. It originates and develops over warm oceanic surface.
2. Presence of coriolis force is necessary for it.
3. It occurs in middle latitudinal region.
4. It develops “eye” with calm and descending air condition.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4
44. The lowest temperature is observed/recorded in which one of the following layers of the atmosphere? [UPSC CAPF 2018]
(a) Stratosphere
(b) Mesosphere
(c) Thermosphere
(d) Troposphere
45. Which of the following cities experience the warm temperate Mediterranean climate? [UPSC CAPF 2018]
1. Cape Town
2. Los Angeles
3. Adelaide
4. Santiago
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
46. In mid-latitude regions, the diurnal variation in weather is due to ? [UPSC CAPF 2018]
(a) raising air/convection
(b) sinking air/conduction
(c) advection
(d) radiation
47. Doldrums are ? [UPSC CAPF 2019]
1. equatorial calms
2. calm and light winds
3. roaring forties
4. variable both in position and in extent
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3
(d) 2, 3 and 4
48. The speed of the wind is measured by [UPSC CAPF 2021]
(a) wind vane
(b) wind rose
(c) barometer
(d) anemometer
