UPSC Prelims 2012 Q89: Geography – Atmosphere & Climatology
Which one of the following is the characteristic climate of the Tropical Savannah Region?
- (a) Rainfall throughout the year
- (b) Rainfall in winter only
- (c) An extremely short dry season
- (d) A definite dry and wet season
Answer: (d) A definite dry and wet season
Explanation
Climate of the Tropical Savannah Region
The Savannah (or Sudan type) climate lies between the equatorial forests and the hot deserts.
Its mark is a distinct wet season and a distinct dry season.
| Option | Verdict | Climate it really describes |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Rainfall throughout the year | Incorrect | Equatorial climate |
| (b) Rainfall in winter only | Incorrect | Mediterranean climate |
| (c) An extremely short dry season | Incorrect | Tropical monsoon or near-equatorial areas |
| (d) A definite dry and wet season | Correct | Savannah |
Savannah at a glance:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rain | In summer, when the rain belt moves over it |
| Vegetation | Tall grass with scattered trees (parkland) |
| Regions | Africa (Sudan, East Africa), Llanos and Campos of South America, northern Australia |
| Known for | Big game animals; cattle herders such as the Masai |
Answer: (d) A definite dry and wet season.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Rainfall throughout the year is the mark of the equatorial climate.
- (b) Incorrect. Rainfall in winter only is the Mediterranean climate.
- (c) Incorrect. The Savannah has a long dry season, not an extremely short dry season.
- (d) CORRECT. The Savannah has a definite dry and wet season.
Key point
Savannah (Sudan type): summer rain, long dry winter, tall grass with scattered trees; Africa, Llanos, Campos, northern Australia. Equatorial: rain all year. Mediterranean: winter rain.
Remember
Savannah = one wet season, one dry season.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Savannah with the equatorial climate because both are tropical.
- Mixing it up with the Mediterranean type, the only one with winter rain.
- Forgetting that its dry season is long, which is why grass, not forest, grows.
Exam tip
Grassland means a long dry season. Trees need rain all year; grass survives a dry spell.
Sources
- G.C. Leong — Certificate Physical and Human Geography, Ch on The Savanna or Sudan Climate
- NCERT Class XI — Fundamentals of Physical Geography, Ch 12 (World Climate and Climate Change)