UPSC Prelims 2002 Q125: Geography – Atmosphere & Climatology
Consider the following statements:
1. In equatorial regions, the year is divided into four main seasons
2. In Mediterranean region, summer receives more rain
3. In China type climate, rainfall occurs throughout the year
4. Tropical highlands exhibit vertical zonation of different climates
Which of these statements are correct?
- (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- (b) 1, 2 and 3
- (c) 1, 2 and 4
- (d) 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 3 and 4
Explanation
Climatic regions of the world: four statements
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Equatorial regions have four main seasons | False — the equatorial climate has no distinct seasons |
| 2. The Mediterranean region gets most rain in summer | False — it is a winter rain, dry summer region |
| 3. China type climate has rainfall throughout the year | True |
| 4. Tropical highlands show vertical zonation of climates | True |
The equatorial belt has hot and wet weather all year with no seasons. The Mediterranean climate has wet winters and dry summers. The China type (warm temperate eastern margin) gets rain in every month, and tropical highlands show vertical zonation. So statements 3 and 4 are correct.
Answer: (d) 3 and 4.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false.
- (b) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false.
- (c) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false.
- (d) CORRECT. Statements 3 and 4 are true.
Key point
Mediterranean: dry summers, wet winters; China type: rain all year with summer maximum; equatorial: no seasons.
Remember
Mediterranean = winter rain; equatorial = no seasons.
Common mistakes
- Placing the Mediterranean rainfall in summer.
- Thinking the equator has four seasons.
- Missing vertical zonation in the highlands.
Exam tip
Two wrong statements (1 and 2) leave only option (d).
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — Fundamentals of Physical Geography (World Climate)
- Savindra Singh — Climatology