Miscellaneous (World Geography) Part-3

Total Questions: 45

10. Humidity is the result of: [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Mains) 2016]

Correct Answer: (d) Presence of moisture in the air
Solution:Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor (or moisture) present in the air. Water vapor is the gaseous state of water, which is generally invisible to the human eye. Humidity indicates the likelihood for precipitation, dew, or fog to be present.

Relative humidity measures the amount of water in the air in relation to the maximum amount of water vapor (moisture) the air can hold at a given temperature. Temperature plays a significant role in determining humidity, as warmer air can hold more water vapor than cooler air.

Absolute humidity is the actual amount of water vapor in the air, regardless of the air's temperature. When water evaporates from land and different water bodies, it becomes water vapor, contributing to humidity.

11. Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night? [I.A.S. (Pre) 2019]

Correct Answer: (b) Clouds reflect back the Earth's radiation.
Solution:Dew: Dew is the water droplets formed by condensation of water vapour on a relatively cold surface of an object. It forms when the temperature of an object drops below the dew point temperature.

When there is a cloudy weather condition, terrestrial radiation is radiated back to the earth's surface after reflection from clouds. This leads to the formation of Greenhouse condition due to which temperature on the earth's surface is relatively higher. Hence condition becomes un-favorable for the creation of dew.

12. Assertion (A): 60°-65° latitudes in both the hemispheres have a low-pressure belt instead of high pressure. [I.A.S. (Pre) 2002]

Reason (R): The low-pressure areas are stable over oceans rather than on land.

Code:

Correct Answer: (b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
Solution:The sub-polar low-pressure belt lies between 60°-65° latitude in both the hemisphere throughout the year as there is low temperature and low atmospheric pressure. Although this belt has nothing to do with temperature. Hence, assertion (A) is correct.

The continuity of sub-Polar low pressure belt discontinue in north hemisphere due to large landmass along 60°N latitude and in southern hemisphere this low pressure belt is more pronounced and stable due to the vast ocean presence and lack of landmass.

13. Which of the following latitudes (north or south) would you associate with 'Horse Latitudes'? [U.P. Lower (Spl) (Pre) 2008]

Correct Answer: (a) 30°
Solution:The horse latitudes are located at about 30° to 35° north and south of the Equator. In the northern hemisphere it is called as the north sub-tropical high-pressure belt and in the southern hemisphere, it is known as the south sub-tropical high-pressure belt.

The existence of these pressure belts is due to the fact that the rising air of the equatorial region is deflected towards poles due to the earth's rotation. After becoming cold and heavy, it descends in these regions due to earth rotation and get piled up.

This results in high pressure. Calm conditions with feeble and variable winds are found here. In ancient times vessels with a cargo of horses passing through these belts found difficulty in sailing under these calm conditions.

They used to throw a few horses in the sea in order to make the vessels lighter. Thus, these belts or latitudes came to be known as 'horse latitudes'.

14. Consider the following statements: [I.A.S. (Pre) 2007]

1. Either of the two belts over the oceans at about 30° to 35° N and S latitudes is known as Horse Latitudes.

2. Horse Latitudes are low pressure belts.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: (a) 1 only
Solution:The horse latitudes are located at about 30° to 35° north and south of the Equator. In the northern hemisphere it is called as the north sub-tropical high-pressure belt and in the southern hemisphere, it is known as the south sub-tropical high-pressure belt.

The existence of these pressure belts is due to the fact that the rising air of the equatorial region is deflected towards poles due to the earth's rotation. After becoming cold and heavy, it descends in these regions due to earth rotation and get piled up.

This results in high pressure. Calm conditions with feeble and variable winds are found here. In ancient times vessels with a cargo of horses passing through these belts found difficulty in sailing under these calm conditions.

They used to throw a few horses in the sea in order to make the vessels lighter. Thus, these belts or latitudes came to be known as 'horse latitudes'.

15. Air pressure is lowest in : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2014]

Correct Answer: (d) Summer season
Solution:Air pressure is defined as the pressure exerted by the weight of air per unit surface area on the earth's surface. The distribution of air pressure is influenced by temperature of air at a given place. Temperature is reversely related with pressure.

Due to highest temperature in summer, pressure is lowest on earth. But as altitude increases the temperature and air pressure decreases. Distribution of air pressure is influenced by temperature and other kinetic factor (i.e. earth rotation, water vapor, altitude) etc.

16. Clouds are the result of- [Uttarakhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

Correct Answer: (d) Condensation
Solution:Clouds are formed as a result of the process of condensation. Conversion of water in the gaseous state to a liquid or solid state is called condensation. clouds are a collection of very tiny droplets of water or ice crystals formed by condensation of water vapour in the atmosphere.

17. Which of the following cloud is responsible for highly intense rain? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003]

Correct Answer: (b) Cumulonimbus
Solution:Cumulo-nimbus clouds are highly diversified and dense in nature. These are a high possibility of rain, hails and thunderstorms associated with these clouds. Cumulonimbus cells usually dissipate within an hour once starts falling, making for short-lived, heavy rain.

18. Highest altitude clouds are - [U.P. Lower Sub. (Pre) 2009]

Correct Answer: (d) Cirrostratus
Solution:Cirrostratus are the highest altitude clouds. High-level clouds occur above about 20,000 feet and are given the prefix "cirro.".

Due to cold tropospheric temperatures at these levels, the clouds primarily are composed of ice crystals, and often appear thin, streaky, and white (although a low sun angle. e.g., near sunset, can create an array of color on the clouds). Cirrus, Cirrostratus, and Cirrocumulus are the cloud types found here.