UPSC Prelims 2005 Q127: Geography – Atmosphere & Climatology
Which one of the following is the correct sequence of the given Indian cities in the
decreasing order of their normal annual rainfall?
- (a) Kochi - Kolkata - Delhi - Patna
- (b) Kolkata - Kochi - Patna - Delhi
- (c) Kochi - Kolkata - Patna - Delhi
- (d) Kolkata - Kochi - Delhi - Patna
Answer: (c) Kochi - Kolkata - Patna - Delhi
Explanation
Normal annual rainfall of Indian cities
| City | Approximate normal annual rainfall |
|---|---|
| Kochi | About 3,000 mm |
| Kolkata | About 1,600 mm |
| Patna | About 1,100 mm |
| Delhi | About 700 mm |
The decreasing order of normal annual rainfall is Kochi - Kolkata - Patna - Delhi, reflecting the fall in rain from the coast and east to the interior and north-west.
Answer: (c) Kochi - Kolkata - Patna - Delhi.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. It places Delhi above Patna.
- (b) Incorrect. It places Kolkata above Kochi.
- (c) CORRECT. Kochi, Kolkata, Patna, Delhi.
- (d) Incorrect. It places Kolkata above Kochi and Delhi above Patna.
Key point
Rainfall decreases from the west coast and the east to the north-west.
Remember
Kochi gets more rain than Kolkata, Patna and Delhi.
Common mistakes
- Putting Kolkata above Kochi in the order.
- Placing Delhi ahead of Patna in the order.
- Ignoring the Western Ghats' windward effect on Kochi.
Exam tip
Wet to dry: Kochi, Kolkata, Patna, Delhi.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI Geography — Climate of India
- India Meteorological Department — Climatological Tables of Observatories in India (1951–1980)