UPSC Prelims 2014 GS Paper I · Q43 of 100 Geography easy

The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

  1. (a) Equatorial climate
  2. (b) Mediterranean climate
  3. (c) Monsoon climate ✓ UPSC's answer
  4. (d) All of the above climates

Why the answer is (c)

• 'Monsoon' derives from the Arabic 'mausim' (season); its defining feature is the seasonal reversal of winds — south-westerly in summer bringing rain, north-easterly in winter — driven by differential heating of land and sea — option (c).

• Equatorial climate (a) has weak, steady winds and rain all year; Mediterranean climate (b) has westerlies in winter and subtropical highs in summer, not a wind reversal.

• Hence option (c).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) Equatorial climate
Equatorial regions have no seasonal wind reversal.
(b) Mediterranean climate
Mediterranean climate has no wind reversal.
(d) All of the above climates
Only the monsoon climate shows wind reversal.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.

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