GS Foundation Course
(LAKsHYA/UtKARsH)
Subject: GEOGRAPHY
Daily Practice Paper
(DPP)
[ Assignment No. 18 ]
aily MCQs
The assignment includes Guidelines to attempt the questions
(1) 5 Objective Type Questions (FOR MCQ Practice) The MCQs & subjective questions can be solved
with the help of the topics covered in the class,
(2) 2 Subjective Type Questions (For Answer Writing class notes, standard books and other sources like
newspapers, government websites etc.
Practice)
It is expected from the aspirants to attempt all the
Name: …………………………………......................... questions.
Date of submission : ………………………………...... The copies will be evaluated within 72 hours.
You are directed to use 1 page for 150 word limit
Course Name/Batch : ……………………………….... answer and 3 pages for 250 word limit answer.
Submit the answer sheet before entering the
classroom.
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Daily MCQs
Q1. During a negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phase, why does India experience drier-than-
normal conditions?
(a) Due to reduced sea surface temperatures in the western Indian Ocean
(b) B. Because of enhanced upwelling along the eastern coast of India
(c) C. As a result of strengthened westerly winds over the Arabian Sea
(d) D. None of the above
Q2. What causes the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) to occur?
(a) Interaction between Indian Ocean currents and the monsoon winds.
(b) Variations in the intensity of the South Asian monsoon.
(c) Changes in the strength of the East Australian Current.
(d) Oscillations in the thermohaline circulation of the Indian Ocean.
Q3. What climatic impact is typically associated with the end of an El Niño event?
(a) Reduced drought conditions in Australia.
(b) Weakened monsoon rains in India.
(c) Increased rainfall in the western Pacific.
(d) Cooler temperatures in the North Atlantic.
Q4. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of La Niña events?
(a) Below-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific
(b) Enhanced trade winds in the equatorial Pacific
(c) Increased likelihood of hurricanes in the Atlantic basin
(d) Warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean
Q5. What role does the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) play in the Madden-Julian
Oscillation (MJO)?
(a) It enhances the eastward propagation of the MJO
(b) It suppresses the formation of MJO events
(c) It has no interaction with the MJO
(d) It causes irregular patterns in the MJO
Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions
Q1. Explain the role of Indian Ocean Dipole in Indian monsoon
(10 Marks, 150 words)
Q2. write a note on El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Madden–Julian oscillation.
(15 Marks, 250 words)
Assignment 17 answers
Daily MCQs
Q1.
Ans: c
Explanation
Jet streams are fast-flowing, narrow air currents found in the upper levels of the atmosphere, typically
occurring at altitudes of 10 to 15 km above sea level. They play a significant role in weather patterns
and can influence the movement of weather systems, including the monsoon.
Q2.
Ans: b
Explanation
La-Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
It often leads to stronger trade winds and can result in increased rainfall in India due to enhanced
monsoon activity.
Q3.
Ans: b
Explanation
El-Nino is associated with the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific
Ocean, which often leads to a weaker monsoon in India by altering atmospheric circulation patterns
and reducing the rainfall.
Q4.
Ans: b
Explanation
The subtropical jet stream, when positioned over the Indian subcontinent, can suppress the northward
movement of the monsoon trough and lead to decreased monsoon rainfall. Its position and strength
can influence the onset and intensity of the monsoon.
Q5.
Ans: b
Explanation
The Sub-Tropical Jet Stream shifts northward before the onset of the Indian monsoon, which helps in
the establishment of the monsoon trough over the Indian subcontinent. This shift allows the warm,
moist air from the oceans to move inland, facilitating the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.
Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (DPP 16 Answers)
Q1. Why are tropical cyclones more prevalent in Bay of Bengal? Discuss. (10 Marks/150 words)
Model Answer
Tropical cyclones are powerful, low-pressure systems characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and
storm surges. They form over warm ocean waters in tropical regions.
Geographical Location and Climate
z Warm Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs): The Bay of Bengal maintains warm SSTs of about
28°C to 30°C throughout the year, essential for cyclone formation and intensification. Warm
waters provide the heat and moisture necessary for the development of these powerful
systems.
z Monsoon Winds: The unique wind patterns influenced by the Indian monsoon contribute to
the formation and intensification of cyclones. The southwest monsoon winds, prevalent from
June to September, and the northeast monsoon winds, occurring from October to December,
create conditions conducive to cyclogenesis.
High Ocean Heat Content
z Thermal Energy: The Bay of Bengal’s waters have a high thermal capacity, storing significant
amounts of heat. This energy fuels the growth of cyclones, allowing them to gather strength
as they move across the bay.
z Depth of Warm Water: Unlike the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal has a deeper layer of warm
water, which sustains cyclones by providing continuous thermal energy, even if surface cooling
occurs.
Meteorological Factors
z Low Vertical Wind Shear: Vertical wind shear refers to the change in wind speed and direction
with altitude. The Bay of Bengal
often experiences low vertical
wind shear, a condition that
allows cyclones to maintain
their structure and strength.
High vertical wind shear, on the
other hand, can disrupt cyclone
formation.
z Convergence of Winds: The bay
acts as a funnel, converging
winds from the surrounding
regions. This convergence,
combined with the Earth’s
rotation, initiates cyclonic motion and helps sustain it.
Geographic Confinement and Shape
z Semi-Enclosed Basin: The Bay of Bengal’s semi-enclosed geography helps concentrate heat
and moisture, creating an ideal environment for cyclones. The shape of the bay allows for
prolonged heat retention, unlike more open oceanic areas.
z Coastline Orientation: The coastline’s orientation in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar means
that cyclones traveling westward or northwestward tend to make landfall in these densely
populated regions, often with devastating effects.
Impact of Climate Change
z Increased Sea Surface Temperature: Global warming has led to an increase in Sea Surface
Temperature, which enhances
the intensity and frequency of
tropical cyclones in the Bay of
Bengal. Studies have shown a
rise in the number of intense
cyclones due to elevated
temperatures and altered
atmospheric conditions.
z Rising Sea Levels: Climate
change contributes to rising sea
levels, which exacerbate the
impact of storm surges during
cyclones. This results in more
significant flooding and coastal
erosion, further affecting the
region’s vulnerability.
As climate change continues to affect
global weather patterns, understanding
these factors becomes crucial in mitigating
the impacts of these devastating natural
events on vulnerable coastal populations
Q2. Write an account on Dynamic theory of Monsoon. (15 Marks/250 words)
Model Answer
The Dynamic Theory of Monsoon propounded by Flohn, a German Meteorologist, in 1951. explains the
seasonal reversal of wind patterns, driven by differential heating between land and sea. This theory
integrates atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and oceanography to describe the complexities
of monsoon systems.
Fundamentals of the Dynamic Theory
z Differential Heating: Monsoons are primarily caused by the difference in temperature
between land masses
and adjacent ocean
bodies. During summer,
land heats up faster than
the ocean, creating a
low-pressure area over
the land and a high-
pressure area over the
cooler ocean, leading to
wind flow from the sea
to the land.
z Pressure Gradient: The resulting pressure gradient between the warm land and the cooler
ocean drives moist, oceanic air inland. This movement is reversed during the winter when
the land cools down more quickly than the sea, creating high pressure over the land and low
pressure over the warmer ocean.
Seasonal Wind Reversal
z Summer Monsoon: In summer (June to September), the Indian subcontinent heats up
significantly, creating a low-pressure area over the land. The cooler Indian Ocean has a
relatively high pressure, leading to the southwest monsoon winds that bring heavy rainfall to
the region.
z Winter Monsoon: In winter (October to February), the land cools down, creating high
pressure over the Indian subcontinent and low pressure over the warmer ocean. This causes
the northeast monsoon winds to blow from the land to the ocean, bringing dry conditions to
most of South Asia.
Role of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
z ITCZ Movement: The ITCZ is a region where the northeast and southeast trade winds
converge, causing significant rainfall. During the summer, it shifts northward over the Indian
subcontinent, bringing monsoon rains. In winter, it moves southward, away from the region.
z Rainfall Mechanism: The northward shift of the ITCZ in summer draws moist air from the
ocean, leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation. The southward movement in
winter reduces rainfall as the moisture-laden air moves away.
Influence of the Tibetan Plateau
z Heat Source: The Tibetan Plateau acts as a significant heat source during summer, contributing
to the differential heating necessary for the monsoon. Its elevated landmass heats up and
creates a strong low-pressure area that attracts moist air from the Indian Ocean.
z Jet Stream Interaction: The plateau also influences the position and strength of the subtropical
jet stream, which plays a critical role in the onset and intensity of the monsoon. The jet
stream’s variations affect the monsoon’s arrival and retreat.
Criticisms/ Limitations:
z Theory does not take into account the role of upper air circulation which remains significant
in maintaining the rhythm of monsoon for a fairly long period and over extensive areas in
tropics.
z Theory also seems to have ignored the oceanic circulation and temperature gradient in
oceanic waters.
z The position of air masses (warm/cold) and their gradual shift from tropics is one of the
potent factors that affect the origin of monsoon. Theory does not seem to include these vital
elements
Understanding these dynamics is essential for predicting monsoon behaviour and mitigating its impacts
on society and the environment.
Daily Answer Writing Practice Questions (DPP 17 Answers)
Q1. Write an account on El-Nino and La-Nina, highlighting their impact on Indian Monsoons.
(10 Marks/150 words)
Model Answer
El-Niño and La-Niña are pivotal climate phenomena stemming from fluctuations in oceanic and
atmospheric conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. These are the two contrasting phases of the
El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle and play a crucial role in shaping global weather patterns.
El-Niño Phenomenon: El-Niño is characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the
central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, leading to significant shifts in weather patterns across the
globe.
z Mechanism: El-Niño occurs when the trade winds, which usually blow from east to west,
weaken. This allows warm water from the western Pacific to flow back eastward, reducing the
upwelling of cold water along the South American coast.
{ The result is an increase in
sea surface temperatures
in the central and eastern
Pacific, which disrupts
normal weather patterns.
z Impact on Global Climate: El-
Niño can lead to drastic changes
in global weather, such as
droughts in some regions and
flooding in others. For instance,
it can cause dry conditions in
Southeast Asia and Australia,
while bringing heavy rainfall to
parts of South America.
z Effect on Indian Monsoons:
{ Weaker Monsoons: El-Niño is typically associated with weaker monsoon rains in India.
The warming of the Pacific waters influences the atmospheric circulation, reducing the
strength and consistency of monsoon winds.
{ Delayed Onset: The onset of the monsoon season in India is often delayed during El-Niño
years, leading to a shorter and less intense rainy season.
{ Deficient Rainfall: The reduced rainfall during El-Niño years can lead to drought conditions
across large parts of India. This has a direct impact on agriculture, as crops depend heavily
on monsoon rains.
{ Economic Impact: A weak monsoon, as a result of El-Niño, can have severe economic
repercussions. Poor crop yields due to inadequate rainfall can lead to food shortages and
higher prices, adversely affecting the economy and leading to inflation.
La-Niña Phenomenon: La-Niña is the phase of the ENSO cycle characterized by cooler-than-average
sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, leading to opposite weather
patterns compared to El-Niño.
z Mechanism: La-Niña is associated
with strengthened trade winds,
which enhance the upwelling of
cold water from the depths of the
ocean along the South American
coast.
{ This cooling effect extends
across the central and eastern
Pacific, leading to a drop in sea
surface temperatures and a
shift in atmospheric conditions.
z Impact on Global Climate:
{ La-Niña typically brings cooler
and wetter conditions to
regions such as Southeast Asia
and northern Australia, while
leading to drier conditions
in other areas like the
southwestern United States.
{ It often results in more intense
weather events, including
hurricanes in the Atlantic and
heavy rainfall in certain regions.
z Effect on Indian Monsoons:
{ Stronger Monsoons: La-Niña is generally associated with stronger monsoon rains in India.
The cooling of the Pacific waters enhances the atmospheric pressure differences, leading
to more robust and consistent monsoon winds.
{ Early Onset: During La-Niña years, the Indian monsoon season often starts earlier than
usual, providing a longer period of rainfall.
{ Excessive Rainfall: The increased monsoon activity during La-Niña can lead to above-
normal rainfall. While beneficial for agriculture, excessive rainfall can also increase the risk
of flooding and waterlogging.
{ Positive Economic Impact: A strong monsoon facilitated by La-Niña can boost agricultural
production, improve water reserves, and contribute positively to the economy. However, it
is important to manage the risks of flooding and other water-related challenges.
Understanding these phenomena is essential for effective planning and management to mitigate their
impacts on agriculture, water resources, and the broader economy. As climate change continues to
influence weather patterns, studying and preparing for the effects of El-Niño and La-Niña on the Indian
monsoon becomes increasingly important for ensuring sustainable development and resilience.
Q2. What do you understand by Jet Streams? How do the subtropical Jet affects monsoons?
(15 Marks/ 250 words)
Model Answer
Jet streams are high-altitude, high-speed winds that flow from west to east. They are typically found at
altitudes of 10 to 15 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. These currents are located near the altitude
of the tropopause, which is the boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere. They play a
significant role in influencing weather patterns and the distribution of climatic zones.
Formation:
z Jet streams form due to the temperature
differences between different air
masses, particularly at the boundaries
of the polar and subtropical regions.
z The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth’s
rotation, contributes to the eastward
flow of these winds.
Types of Jet Streams:
z Polar Jet Streams: Located near the
polar front, between the polar and mid-
latitude air masses.
z Subtropical Jet Streams: Found near
the boundary of the tropical and subtropical regions, typically around 30° latitude in both
hemispheres.
Characteristics:
z Jet streams are typically a few hundred kilometers wide and can stretch thousands of
kilometers in length.
z Their speeds can exceed 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour).
z They influence weather patterns by steering weather systems and affecting the movement of
air masses.
Subtropical Jet Stream and Monsoons
z Subtropical Jet Stream:
{ The subtropical jet stream is located around 30° latitude in both hemispheres.
{ It is stronger in winter and weaker in summer, with significant seasonal variations.
{ The subtropical jet plays a key role in transferring heat and moisture across the globe.
z Impact on Monsoons:
{ Monsoon Formation: The subtropical jet stream influences the formation and strength of
monsoons by affecting the large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns.
{ Position and Movement: The position and movement of the subtropical jet stream can
determine the onset, intensity, and duration of the monsoon season.
z Mechanism of Influence:
{ Winter Monsoon: During the winter months, the subtropical jet stream is positioned over
the Indian subcontinent. It contributes to the dry and cool conditions characteristic of the
winter monsoon by blocking the northward movement of moist air from the oceans.
{ Summer Monsoon: As summer approaches, the subtropical jet stream shifts northward,
allowing warm and moist air to flow into the Indian subcontinent from the Indian Ocean,
triggering the onset of the summer monsoon.
z Seasonal Variations:
{ Pre-monsoon Period: In the pre-monsoon period, the position of the subtropical jet
stream can impact the timing of the monsoon onset. An early northward shift of the jet
stream can lead to an early onset of the monsoon.
{ Active and Break Periods: The subtropical jet stream’s fluctuations can cause active and
break periods within the monsoon season, leading to variability in rainfall distribution.
{ Monsoon Withdrawal: In the post-monsoon period, the subtropical jet stream’s southward
shift signals the retreat of the monsoon, leading to drier conditions.
z Influence on Extreme Weather:
{ The subtropical jet stream can also influence the occurrence of extreme weather events,
such as cyclones and heavy rainfall, by steering these systems and affecting their intensity.
Understanding the dynamics of jet streams and their interaction with other climatic factors is essential
for accurate weather forecasting and effective management of water and agricultural resources.
