UPSC Prelims 2003 Q113: Geography – Atmosphere & Climatology
Assertion (A): Areas lying within five to eight degrees latitude on either side of the equator
receive rainfall throughout the year.
Reason (R): High temperatures and high humidity cause convectional rain to fall mostly in the
afternoons near the equator.
- (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
- (b) Both A and R are individually true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- (c) A is true but R is false
- (d) A is false but R is true
Answer: (a) Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
Explanation
Equatorial rainfall
| Part | Verdict |
|---|---|
| A. Areas within 5 to 8 degrees latitude of the equator get rain throughout the year | True |
| R. High temperature and humidity cause convectional rain, mostly in the afternoons | True — and they explain the daily rain |
Both are true and R explains A: the intense heating and humidity near the equator cause daily convectional showers throughout the year.
Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R explains A.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. A is true and R gives the convectional cause.
- (b) Incorrect. R does explain A, so this code is wrong.
- (c) Incorrect. R is true, so this code is wrong.
- (d) Incorrect. A is true, so this code is wrong.
Key point
Equatorial climate: rain every afternoon, ITCZ, no dry season.
Remember
Equatorial regions get convectional rain through the year.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the equator has a dry season.
- Mixing convectional with orographic rain.
- Forgetting the afternoon thunderstorm pattern.
Exam tip
Equatorial: 5 degrees either side, 'rain every afternoon'.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — World Climate
- Savindra Singh — Climatology (Prayag Pustak Bhawan)