Indian Monsoon MCQs for UPSC Prelims

With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January - March. 2. OMT collected during January - March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? 1. La Nina is characterised by unusually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. 2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India, but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

Consider the following statements: 1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India. 2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains of India decreases from east to west. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to 'Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)' sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. 2. An IOD phenomenon can influence an El Nino's impact on the monsoon. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1. A 1 only
2. B 2 only
3. C Both 1 and 2
4. D Neither 1 nor 2

The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of

1. A Equatorial climate
2. B Mediterranean climate
3. C Monsoon climate
4. D All of the above climates

The phenomenon by which the Indian summer monsoon often pauses, giving dry spells of about a week or more across central and northern India, is termed a 'break in the monsoon'. This break is generally associated with which of the following?

1. A The monsoon trough (axis of low pressure) shifting northward towards the foot of the Himalayas
2. B A strengthening of the Somali jet over the Arabian Sea
3. C The southward retreat of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone over the Indian Ocean
4. D An intensification of the Tibetan high in the upper troposphere

Consider the following statements regarding the Indian monsoon: 1. The withdrawal of the southwest monsoon begins from the northwestern parts of India by early September. 2. The 'break' in the monsoon refers to periods of dry weather caused by the shifting of the monsoon trough away from its normal position. 3. The retreating monsoon is associated with the onset of cyclonic depressions over the Bay of Bengal that affect the southeastern coast. How many of the above statements are correct?

1. A Only one
2. B Only two
3. C All three
4. D None

The 'Break in Monsoon', a feature of the Indian summer monsoon, is best described as:

1. A The complete withdrawal of the monsoon from the entire country by early September
2. B Dry spells of one or more weeks during the rainy season when the monsoon trough shifts and rainfall is reduced over the plains
3. C The sudden onset of the monsoon over Kerala in the first week of June
4. D Heavy rainfall caused by western disturbances during winter