Daily Static MCQs for UPSC & State PSC Exams - Geography (02 August 2023)

Daily Static MCQs Quiz for UPSC, IAS, UPPSC/UPPCS, MPPSC. BPSC, RPSC & All State PSC Exams

Subject : Geography

1. Consider the following statements:

1. The percentage of moisture present in the atmosphere as compared to its full capacity at a given temperature is known as absolute humidity.
2. The absolute humidity differs from place to place on the surface of the earth.
3. The ability of the air to hold water vapour depends entirely on its temperature.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Water vapor present in the air is known as humidity. It is expressed quantitatively in different ways. The actual amount of the water vapour present in the atmosphere is known as the absolute humidity. It is the weight of water vapour per unit volume of air and is expressed in terms of grams per cubic metre. The ability of the air to hold water vapour depends entirely on its temperature. The absolute humidity differs from place to place on the surface of the earth. The percentage of moisture present in the atmosphere as compared to its full capacity at a given temperature is known as the relative humidity. Hence, only statement 1 is incorrect.

2. The factors that cause variations in insolation are:

1. The length of the day
2. The configuration of land in terms of its aspect
3. The transparency of the atmosphere

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The energy received by the earth is known as incoming solar radiation which in short is termed as insolation. The amount and the intensity of insolation vary during a day, in a season and in a year. The factors that cause these variations in insolation are:

  1. The rotation of earth on its axis
  2. The angle of inclination of the sun’s rays
  3. The length of the day
  4. The transparency of the atmosphere
  5. The configuration of land in terms of its aspect

Thus, all the given factors cause variation in the amount of insolation. Hence, all are correct.

3. The vertical pressure gradient force is much larger than that of the horizontal pressure gradient. But we do not experience strong upward winds, because of:

(a) Strong frictional force in lower atmosphere
(b) Strong Coriolis force
(c) Strong Planetary winds
(d) Strong Gravitational force

Answer: (D)

Explanation: The vertical pressure gradient force is much larger than that of the horizontal pressure gradient. But, it is generally balanced by a nearly equal but opposite gravitational force. Hence, we do not experience strong upward winds. Due to gravity the air at the surface is denser and hence has higher pressure. Hence, option (d) is correct.

4. Consider the following statements regarding the vertical distribution of ocean temperature:

1. The heat is transmitted from the surface of the ocean to the lower sections of the oceans through the process of convection.
2. A thermocline is the transition layer between warmer mixed water at the ocean’s surface and cooler deep water below.
3. About 10 percent of the total volume of water is found below the thermocline in the deep ocean.

How many of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The temperature-depth profile for the ocean water shows how the temperature decreases with the increasing depth. The profile shows a boundary region between the surface waters of the ocean and the deeper layers. The boundary usually begins around 100 – 400 m below the sea surface and extends several hundreds of metres downward. This boundary region, from where there is a rapid decrease of temperature, is called the thermocline. About 90 per cent of the total volume of water is found below the thermocline in the deep ocean. In this zone, temperatures approach 0° C.

It is a well-known fact that the maximum temperature of the oceans is always at their surfaces because they directly receive the heat from the sun and the heat is transmitted to the lower sections of the oceans through the process of convection. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

5. Consider the following statements:

1. High tides help in navigation as they raise the water level close to the shores.
2. More fish come closer to the shore during the Low tide.

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: (A)

Explanation: High tides help in navigation. They raise the water level close to the shores. This helps the ships to arrive at the harbour more easily. The high tides also help in fishing. Many more fish come closer to the shore during the high tide. This enables fishermen to get a plentiful catch. The rise and fall of water due to tides is being used to generate electricity in some places. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.