UPSC Prelims 2002 Q101: Geography – Atmosphere & Climatology
The average annual temperature of a meteorological station is 26 °C, its average annual
rainfall is 63 cm and the annual range of temperature is 9 °C. The station in Q is
- (a) Allahabad
- (b) Chennai
- (c) Cherrapunji
- (d) Kolkata
Answer: (b) Chennai
Explanation
Identifying the station from temperature, rainfall and annual range
| Station | Climate features |
|---|---|
| Chennai | Mean annual temperature about 28 °C, small annual range (about 7-9 °C), coastal; the best fit of the four |
| Allahabad | Continental; annual range of about 18 °C |
| Kolkata | Mean about 26 °C, but heavy rainfall of about 160 cm |
| Cherrapunji | Very cold nights at height and extreme rainfall of over 1,100 cm |
A station with an annual temperature range of only 9 °C is coastal and near the equable tropics, while Allahabad has a large continental range and Cherrapunji has huge rainfall. Among the options only Chennai fits the low range, so it is the answer by elimination. The rainfall of 63 cm in the question is lower than Chennai's real figure, so the data are illustrative.
Answer: (b) Chennai.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Allahabad has a continental range of about 18 °C, much larger than 9 °C.
- (b) CORRECT. Chennai has a small annual range, typical of a coastal station.
- (c) Incorrect. Cherrapunji has extreme rainfall, far above 63 cm.
- (d) Incorrect. Kolkata has much heavier rainfall and a larger range.
Key point
Annual range of temperature: small on the coast and near the equator, large in the continental interior.
Remember
Small annual range means a coastal station such as Chennai.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Allahabad without checking the large continental range.
- Ignoring that Cherrapunji is the wettest place by far.
- Using rainfall alone and overlooking the temperature range.
Exam tip
A 9 °C range and a moderate rainfall eliminate the inland and the very wet stations.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — India: Physical Environment (Climate)
- IMD climatological tables