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GeographyMediumAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2025, GK

The pattern of planetary winds largely depends upon which of the following factors ? 1. Latitudinal variation of atmospheric heating 2. The distribution of continents and oceans 3. The rotation of earth Which of the above is/are correct ?

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.1 and 2 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3

Correct answer

D. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation

The correct answer is D, 1, 2 and 3. All three factors shape the general circulation of the atmosphere, which is why UPSC's official key gives D.

Planetary winds are the trade winds, the westerlies and the polar easterlies. Unequal heating between the equator and the poles creates the pressure belts that set these winds in motion. Land and sea heat and cool at different rates, so the spread of continents and oceans breaks up the belts and changes the winds, which is why the westerlies are steadier in the ocean-dominated Southern Hemisphere. The rotation of the earth produces the Coriolis force, which turns winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern.

A is wrong because heating alone cannot explain why the winds blow at an angle to the isobars. B is wrong because it leaves out the earth's rotation, the cause of their deflection. C is wrong because without unequal heating there would be no pressure belts to drive the winds at all.

Exam tip: pressure belts come from heating, the deflection from rotation (Coriolis), and the breaks in the pattern from land and sea.

Practice Questions

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Q2.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GKMedium

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Himalayan rivers have their origin in the snow-covered areas, hence are dry in winter season. 2. Rivers of the Peninsular Plateau have reached maturity. 3. Himalayan rivers depict all the three stages of normal cycle of erosion. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.2 only
  2. B.1 and 3 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 2 and 3 only

Himalayan rivers are perennial, so statement 1 is wrong, while statements 2 and 3 are correct. Himalayan rivers such as the Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra rise from glaciers and snowfields and also get monsoon rain, so they flow all year round, including in winter.

Q3.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GKMedium

Which of the following statements related to latitude are true? 1. Rainfall, temperature and vegetation vary with latitude. 2. The difference between the longest day and the shortest day increases with latitude. 3. Indira Point is located approximately at 6°45' N latitude. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.1 and 3 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

All three statements about latitude are true. Latitude decides how directly the Sun's rays strike a place, so temperature, rainfall and the type of vegetation change from the equator towards the poles, from hot, wet rainforests to cold tundra.

Q4.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GKMedium

Which of the following lakes is/are situated in Ladakh? 1. Tso Kar 2. Pangong Tso 3. Tsomgo 4. Tso Moriri Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3
  3. C.1, 2 and 4
  4. D.2 and 4 only
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1, 2 and 4

Tso Kar, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri are high-altitude lakes of Ladakh, while Tsomgo lies in Sikkim. Pangong Tso, at about 4,350 metres, is a long, narrow lake that stretches from Ladakh into Tibet, and most of its length lies on the Chinese side.