Q2 Physical Geography Mar 3
Temperature And Pressure Belts Of World
1. Consider the following statements:-
Assertion [A]: 60°, 65° latitudes in both hemispheres have a low pressure belt instead of high pressure.
Reason [R]: The low pressure areas are permanent over oceans rather than on land. Select the correct answer from the options given below:-
(A) [A] and [R] are correct and [R] is the correct explanation of [A].
(B) [A] and [R] are correct but [R] is not the correct explanation of [A].
(C) [A] is true but [R] is false.
(D) [A] is false but [R] true.
Ans.(C)
Exp:- Although the temperature remains low in 60- 65 degree, latitudes in both the hemispheres the pressure remains low both on land and sea due to the rotation of the Earth which displaces and keeps the pressure low. Around 60°N and S, are two temperate lowbpressure belt with the zone of convergence with cyclonic activity.
During summers the sub polar low pressure areas best developed over oceans due to significant temperature difference. And it is more prominent in Southern Hemisphere (due to more water mass presence) hence the A is correct but R is wrong.
2. Air pressure is lowest in-
(A) Winter season
(B) Autumn Season
(C) Spring Season
(D) Summer Season
Ans.(D)
Exp:- Air pressure is function of temperature keeping other factors constant and is inversely related to it. Pressure increases with decrease in temperature and therefore it is generally high in Polar Regions and low in Equatorial areas. With increase in temperature of an area the air gets rarefied and with updraft of air column the pressure at the earth's surface decreases.
3. Consider the following statements:-
1. In Equatorial regions, the year is divided into four main seasons.
2. In Mediterranean region, summer receives more rain.
3. In China type climate, rainfall occurs throughout the year.
4. Tropical highlands exhibit vertical zonation of different climate.
Which of these statements are correct?
(A) 3 and 4
(B) 1, 2 and 3
(C) 1, 2 and 3
(D) All of these
Ans.(A)
Exp:- Only statement 3 and 4 are correct because:- In equatorial region the climate remains same round the year. Temperature generally remains high throughout the year with very less diurnal, seasonal and annual changes. Average annual temperature is 30°-35°C. Average high humidity of 85-95% and Precipitation is also very high (250-300cms). Mediterranean region has winter bound precipitation due to impact of temperate cyclones. Mediterranean climates receive around 50cms of annual rainfall. The China type of climate experiences rainfall mainly in summers with average rainfall between 90-120 cms. but this zone receives rainfall throughout the year.
4. Consider the following statements:- Assertion [A]: Areas lying within 5 to 8 degrees latitude on either side of the equator receive rainfall throughout the year.
Reason [R]: High tempe. Oratures and high humidity cause conventional rainfall mostly in the afternoons near the equator.
Select the correct answer from the given options:-
(A) [A] and [R] are correct and [R] is the correct explanation of [A]
(B) [A] and [R] are correct but [R] is not the correct explanation of [A]
(C) [A] is true but [R] is false
(D) [A] is false but [R] true
Ans.(A)
Exp:- Areas lying within 5 to 8 degrees latitude on either side of equator receives conventional rainfall due to high temperature and high humidity throughout the year. Equatorial climate has uniformity of temperature throughout the year. Due to heat in equatorial belt, there is strong evaporation and convectional air followed by convectional rainfall. There are some intermittent rainfall from cyclonic atmospheric disturbances caused by the convergence of air currents in doldrums.
5. Consider the following statements:-
Assertion [A]: Wind patterns are clockwise in the Northern hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the Southern hemisphere.
Reason [R]: The directions of wind patterns in the Northern and the Southern Hemisphere are governed by the Coriolis effect.
Select the correct answer from the given options:-
(A) If [A] and [R] are correct and [R] is the correct explanation of [A]
(B) If [A] and [R] are correct but [R] is not the correct explanation of [A]
(C) If [A] is true but [R] is false
(D) If [A] is false but [R] true
Ans.(A)
Exp:- Both [A] and [R] are true and [R] is the correct explanation of [A].
Coriolis effect is the apparent curvature of global winds, ocean currents, and everything else that moves freely across the Earth's surface. The curvature is due to the rotation of the Earth on its axis. In the absence of Earth's rotation, global winds would blow in straight north-south lines. What actually happens is that global winds blow diagonally. The Coriolis effect influences wind direction around the world in this way: in the Northern Hemisphere it curves winds to the right; in the Southern Hemisphere it curves them left, This is known as Ferrel's law of deflection. The Coriolis force is absent along the equator but increases progressively towards pole. Thus wind systems are clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere due to right deflections and anti-clockwise in Southern Hemisphere due to left deflection.
6. Consider the following statements:-
1. Either of the two belts over the oceans at about 30° to 35° N and S Latitudes is known as Horse Latitude.
2. Horse Latitudes are low pressure belt. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans.(A)
Exp:-Horse latitudes, two belts of latitude where winds are light and the weather is hot and dry. They are located mostly over the oceans, at about 30° latitudes in each hemisphere, and have a north-south range of about 5° as they follow the seasonal migration of the sun. The horse latitudes are associated with the subtropical anticyclone (High Pressure belt) and the large-scale descent of air from high-altitude currents moving toward the poles. Horse latitudes are high pressure belts.
The term horse latitudes originated when Spanish sailing vessels transported horses to the West Indies. Ships would often become becalmed in mid-ocean in this latitude, thus severely prolonging the voyage; the resulting water shortages would make it necessary for crews to throw their horses overboard.
7. Consider the following statements:-
1. The annual range of temperature is greater in the Pacific ocean than in the Atlantic ocean.
2. The annual range of temperature is greater in the Northern hemisphere than in the Southern hemisphere
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(A) Only 1
(B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Only 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans.(C)
Exp:-The annual variation of the ocean surface temperature in any part of the world depends on the following factors:
(A) Radiation incoming/insolation
(B) Nature of ocean currents
(C) Prevailing winds.
Since Pacific Ocean is large in size compare to Atlantic Ocean, it is impacted by range of factors mentioned above in different regions compare to the Atlantic Ocean which has comparatively limited latitudinal and longitudinal extension. Thus annual variance in surface temperature of Atlantic is greater than Pacific.
Also the annual range of temperature is greater in the Northern Hemisphere than that in the Southern Hemisphere as former has huge landmass which shows extremities and high temperature range as compare to latter which has large expanse of oceans.
8. What could be the main reason/reasons for the formation of African and Eurasian desert belt?
1. It is located in the sub-tropical high pressure cells.
2. It is under the influence of warm ocean currents. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
(A) Only 1
(B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Only 2
(D) neither 1 nor 2
Ans.(A)
Exp:- The hot desert lies under the Horse Latitude (Sub Tropical High Pressure Belts) which has descenning air currents, not favourable for precipitation. Several other factors too which cause very little precipitation in this regions are as follows;Off shore Trade Winds O Winds blow from cooler to warmer regions in these deserts lowering the humidity and thus chances of condensation.On western coasts, presence of cold currents leads to chilling of air circulation and generates only mist and very scanty rainfall.
9. Which one of the following is the characteristic of the Tropical Savanna Region?
(A) Rainfall throughout the year
(B) Rainfall in winter only
(C) An extremely short dry season
(D) A definite dry and wet season
Ans.(D)
Exp:- The tropical Savannas region lies in a tropical climatic zone, where temperatures are warm throughout the year and there are two distinct seasons: the 'wet' and the 'dry'. The 'wet' season lasts from approximately November to April. Almost all of the year's rain falls during this period and generally arrives in heavy bursts from thunderstorms, widespread monsoon depressions or from the passage of associated tropical cyclones.The dry season, from May to October exhibits dry, cool weather with little rain, low humidity and wider-range of temperatures.Across the Savannas the more stable dry season is characterized by prevailing dry south-east winds (moisture on the east coast), cooler temperatures, greater temperature variation during the day, clear skies and low humidity.
10. The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas.
What is/are the reason/reasons?
1. Thermal difference between land and water.
2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans.
3. Presence of strong winds in the interior.
4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:-
Codes:-
(A) Only 1
(B) 1 and 2
(C) 3 and 4
(D) All of these
Ans.(A)
Exp:- Statement 4 is incorrect. Since it is the coastal areas, which generally receive more rainfall than the interior due to land sea breeze driven by thermal difference between land and water.It is also not necessary that strong winds be present in the interior and not the coasts. Moreover, such winds will only have a marginal effect on the temperature difference.
11. Which of the following is/are unique characteristic/ characteristics of equatorial forests?
1. Presence of tall, closely set trees with crowns forming a continuous canopy.
2. Co-existence of a large number of species. 3. Presence of numerous varieties of epiphytes below:-
Select the correct answer using the codes given
(A) Only 1
(B) 1 and 3
(C) 1 and 2
(D) All of these
Ans.(D)
Exp:- The perennial high temperatures and abundant rainfall support plant growth all year round. These areas usually have equatorial rainforests. These forests have very dense vegetation. Many different types of trees and other plants can be found growing in a relatively small area of rainforest. More species of plant can be found in a rainforest than in other type of plant community.
There are several layers of vegetation in a rainforest. The uppermost layer is made up of the crowns of the tallest trees. These trees are known as emergent (60m). Next layer is known as the canopy (up to 40m), below the canopy is another layer known as the understory (about 15m) and below it lies shrub layer.
Epiphytes, grow on trees (their roots are not in the soil). They do not harm the trees and they do not get their nutrients from them. They only use the trees for physical support.
12.. "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?
(A) Savannah
(B) Monsoon
(C) Equatorial
(D) Mediterranean
Ans.(C)
Exp:-This region extends roughly between 10°N and 10°S of the equator. It has uniform climatic condition throughout the year having minimum seasonal contrast. In Equatorial climate while the morning is clear. However due to convectional rainfall conditions by noon dark clouds surround and bring heavy but short duration rainfall. Here rain comes with thunder and lightning. This is a typical feature of Equatorial climate.
13. Conduction is process-
(A) That conducts heat from warmer to the cooler region until the two objects coming into contact get the same temperature.
(B) That conducts heat from cooler to the warmer region.
(C) That does not conduct heat to any of the two objects coming into contact.
(D) None of the above
Ans.(A)
Exp:- Conduction is one of the most common process of heat transfer in nature. It is the transfer of heat through physical contact.Heat moves in predictable ways, flowing from warmer objects to cooler ones, until both reach the same temperature. Because water in the ocean holds a large amount of heat, the ocean has a major effect on climate. When air in contact with the ocean is at a different temperature than the sea surface, heat transfer by conduction takes place. The ocean also absorbs and stores energy from the sun, and when precipitation falls, it releases heat energy into the atmosphere. This way energy is transferred from high temperature regions to colder regions until thermal equilibrium is set up.
In general the transfer of heat energy within the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and the earth's surface and interior occurs as a result of radiation, convection, and conduction.
14. Consider the following statements:-
Assertion [A]: The higher the elevation, the cooler the climate.
Reason [R]: As the elevation increases, the amount of space between air particles increases causing less ability to transfer heat to the ground. Select the correct answer from the given options:-
(A) [A] and [R] are correct and [R] is the correct explanation of [A]
(B) [A] and [R] are correct but [R] is not the correct explanation of [A]
(C) [A] is true but [R] is false
(D) [A] is false but [R] true
Ans.(A)
Exp: -The atmosphere mainly heats up by conduction from the Earth. Hence the atmosphere nearer to the earth's surface are warmer than those higher up. Thus temperature decreases with the increase in the altitude. This phenomenon is also known as the Normal lapse rate.
As it is already been mentioned that the main mode of atmosphere heating is conduction, Rarefaction of air causes less heat transfer from the ground. The elevation results in rarefaction of air, which causes the higher gap between the air particle.
15. Unequal heating of the Earth's surface creates pressure gradients that results in-
(A) Anticyclone
(B) Pressure systems
(C) Cyclone
(D) Wind
Ans (D):
Exp:-Wind is the movement of air across the Earth's surface and is produced by differences in air pressure between one place to another. Unequal heating of Earth's surface causes pressure difference due to thermal gradient. This drives the wind system between two pressure belts of atmosphere and between the two regions.
16. Which of the following is quantified as the proportion, or percentage of solar radiation of all wavelengths reflected by a body or surface to the amount incident upon it?
(A) Radiation
(B) Reflection
(C) Insolation
(D) Albedo
Ans.(D)
Exp:-The proportion of the incident light or radiation that is reflected by a surface, typically that of planet or moon is called albedo. It is defined as the ratio of irradiance reflected to the irradiance received by a surface. It is dimensionless and measured on a scale from zero (corresponding to a black body that absorbs all incident radiation) to one (corresponding to a body that reflects all incident radiation).Fresh snow has albedo as high as 0.8-0.9, whereas oceans has low albedo of 0.06.
17. About 50% of the world population is concentrated between the latitudes of-
(A) 5° N and 20° N
(B)20° N and 40°N
(C) 40°N and 60°N
(D) 20°S and 40°S
Ans.(B)
Exp:- Around 50% of the world population is living between the latitude of 20°N and 40°N. In this region there is high land use capacity and also suitable environmental indicators, responsible for high population density along these region.
While only (1/8) or even less than of population lives in the south of the equator.
20° N and 40°N region has the most populous countries such as China, India, USA, South European Countries and North American Countries
18. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of-
(A) Equatorial climate
(B) Mediterranean climate
(C) Monsoon climate
(D) All of these
Ans.(C)
Exp:- Monsoon climate shows the seasonal reversal of winds. The term monsoon itself used to signify the surface winds system of the Southern Asia with a complete reversal of wind directions with the change of seasons during summers. These monsoon winds flow from the South-West direction in summers while they flow from North-East in winters during retreat.