UPSC Prelims 2014 Q43: Geography – Atmosphere & Climatology
The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of
- (a) Equatorial climate
- (b) Mediterranean climate
- (c) Monsoon climate
- (d) All of the above climates
Answer: (c) Monsoon climate
Explanation
Seasonal reversal of winds
The word monsoon comes from the Arabic 'mausim', meaning season.
Its defining feature is that the wind changes direction with the season.
| Season | Wind over India | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | From sea to land (south-west monsoon) | Rain |
| Winter | From land to sea (north-east monsoon) | Dry weather, except in Tamil Nadu |
The climates compared:
| Climate | Winds |
|---|---|
| Equatorial | Light and variable (doldrums); no reversal |
| Mediterranean | Shifting of wind belts: westerlies in winter, dry trades in summer |
| Monsoon | Complete seasonal reversal |
Why it happens: land and sea heat differently, and the ITCZ shifts north and south with the Sun.
Answer: (c) Monsoon climate.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Equatorial climate has calm, variable winds, not a seasonal reversal.
- (b) Incorrect. The Mediterranean climate has shifting wind belts, not a reversal.
- (c) CORRECT. Seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of the Monsoon climate.
- (d) Incorrect. Only the monsoon climate shows it, so 'All of the above' is wrong.
Key point
Monsoon (from 'mausim', season): seasonal reversal of winds; sea-to-land in summer, land-to-sea in winter; caused by differential heating and ITCZ shift.
Remember
Seasonal wind reversal = monsoon.
Common mistakes
- Confusing shifting of wind belts (Mediterranean) with reversal (monsoon).
- Thinking monsoon simply means rain.
- Choosing 'All of the above' without checking each climate.
Exam tip
Monsoon = season = reversal. The word itself is the answer.
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — India: Physical Environment, Ch 4 (Climate)
- G.C. Leong — Certificate Physical and Human Geography (The Tropical Monsoon Climate)