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1.

What is meant by cyclone and anticyclone? Describe their types and characteristics.

Answer»

Cyclones, anticyclones, and their types and characteristics are described as follows: 

Meaning of cyclone: Cyclone is commonly used to refer to the center of low air pressure, around which the air pressure increases gradually. Because of this, the winds flow from all around directions to the center. 

Their shape is usually elliptical, circular or W shaped.

1. Temperate cyclone: Such types of cyclones originate in the mid latitudes. At the center of the airturbulence in mid-latitudes, there is less pressure in center and more pressure is there on the periphery. They are often called low or deep or trough. These cyclones originate from the interaction of the air – masses of opposite nature. The area of these cyclones is found in both the hemispheres between 35° to 65° latitude. Clouds originate in the atmosphere from these cyclones. Under favorable conditions, these cause either rainfall or snowfall.

2. Tropical cyclone: This type of cyclone is found on both sides of the Equator between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn. They appear in many forms. They take a violent and rapid form and create destruction in the areas they hit. As in temperate cyclones, uniformity is not found in these cyclones.

Characteristics of Cyclones: 

1. Cyclones are the centers of low air pressure and in which the air pressure increases from the center towards the periphery. 

2. Winds move from the periphery to the center. 

3. Their shape is similar elliptical, circular, or ‘V’ oriented. 

4. They affect the weather.

Meaning of anti – cyclone: The anti – cyclone is a sequence of circular isobars in which the air pressure is high at the center and it decreases gradually toward the outside.

Types of Anti – cyclones: 

Anti – cyclones are divided mainly into the following categories:

1. Cold Anti – cyclone: These anti – cyclones form in polar regions primarily in arctic regions. These move forward in the east and south – east direction. They are smaller in size than warm anti – cyclones:

2. Warm Anti – cyclone: These anticyclones are produced in the belt of temperate high air pressure. In this belt, there is divergence of winds. Their size is huge. These are less active.

3. Blocking Anti – cyclone: This is a new type of anti – cyclone. These cyclones originate due to obstruction of wind circulation in the upper part of the troposphere. Among these, the air system and weather characteristics are similar to warm anti – cyclones. They are smaller and slower in speed.

Characteristics of anti – cyclones: 

1. There is high air pressure in the center of every anti – cyclone, which decreases towards the periphery. 

2. Winds blow in the clockwise direction in the northern hemisphere, and in the southern hemisphere, in the anti – clockwise direction.

3. Size is larger than cyclones. Their size is often spherical. 

4. The weather becomes clear, the sky becomes clean and the wind becomes hot due to the arrival of anti – cyclones. 

5. These occur more in sub – tropical high pressure areas.

2.

Who gave the dynamic theory of the origin of cyclones? (a) Burkineze (b) Lam – pert and Shaw (c) Wagner (d) Davis

Answer»

(b) Lam – pert and Shaw

3.

Hurricane is a: (a) Temperate Cyclone (b) Tropical cyclone (c) Anticyclone (d) Front

Answer»

(b) Tropical cyclone

4.

Which letter is used for a stable air – mass? (a) W (b) K (c) S (d) U

Answer»

Correct Answer is: (c) S

5.

Which air – mass is found in the central part of Australia? (a) MP (b) MT (c) CP (d) CT

Answer»

Correct Answer is: (d) CT

6.

Monsoon area is: (a) South – east Asia (b) North Africa (c) United States (d) Europe

Answer»

(a) South – east Asia

7.

What is meant by stationary front ?

Answer»

In the parallel movement of two opposing air – masses, separation and absence of peripheral motion of the air is called stationary front.

8.

What is front? Describe the types of front.

Answer»

When two opposite – natured air – masses (cold and hot) blow in, they try to retain their identity related to temperature and humidity. In this process, a sloping border develops in between, which is called front.

Types of front: 

The fronts are mainly divided into the following parts:

1. Warm Front: The front which originates by warm air advances over the cold air. 

2. Cold Front: The front which originates by cold air advancing over the warm air. 

3. Stationary Front: Front which originates due to the two opposing fronts being parallel. 

4. Occluded Front: Occluded front is formed when a cold air – mass overtakes a warm air – mass and goes beneath it.

9.

What is Warm Front?

Answer»

The warm front is formed by the advancement of warm air over cold air.

10.

Describe the types of air – masses based on their region of origin.

Answer»

On the basis of their region of origin, the air – masses are divided into tropical and polar air – masses. On the same basis, continental and oceanic air – masses are found.

11.

What is Hurricane?

Answer»

The wide tropical cyclones surrounded by several isobars are called hurricanes in the United States. Their speed is usually 120 km/ph. They are very giant and stubborn. Their number is very low and they occur sometimes. These types of hurricanes often occur only in certain parts of the tropical lines. They cause torrential rains. Their direction is from east to west.

12.

What are the necessary conditions for the origin of the front?

Answer»

The following conditions are necessary for the origin of the front: 

1. Air – masses of different nature: When the opposite variants of air meet, they attempt to enter each other’s area, which creates a wave – type front.

2. The difference in humidity: Less or more humidity found due to atmospheric conditions is helpful in the formation of fronts. 

3. Atmospheric circulation: Horizontal and vertical movement of winds and their convergence and divergence are helpful in creating fronts.

13.

What is meant by cyclone?

Answer»

Cyclone usually refers to the region of low air pressure, around which the air pressure increases, gradually, due to which the winds flow from all the directions towards the center.

14.

What does thermodynamic conversion mean?

Answer»

When the air – mass is hot or cold below on its surface due to the exchange of heat between the surface and the base of the air – mass, it is called thermodynamic conversion.

15.

What is meant by area of origin of air – mass?

Answer»

The region where air – masses are produced are called the area of their origin.

16.

How do the air – masses originate?

Answer»

When atmospheric conditions are stable on a wide surface plane, the air contains surface humidity and temperature related characteristics, which causes the formation of the air – masses.

17.

What is meant by air – mass?

Answer»

The wide and dense part of the atmosphere is called the air – mass, whose physical properties, especially the temperature and humidity, are same nearly identical in horizontal shape.

18.

What is meant by mechanical conversion ?

Answer»

The conversion that occurs in the air – mass, which is free from the heating and cooling provided by the surface, is called mechanical conversion.

19.

What does MP mean? (a) Ocean tropical (b) Continental tropical (c) Ocean polar (d) Continental polar

Answer»

(c) Ocean polar

20.

The propounder of polar front theory is: (a) Davis (b) Burkineze (c) Lampert and Shaw (d) Hackle

Answer»

Correct Answer is: (b) Burkineze

21.

What is the definition of cyclone as given by Triwartha?

Answer»

According to Triwartha, “Cyclones are relatively low air pressure areas, which are surrounded by centric and surrounding isobars.”

22.

What types of anticyclone are there?

Answer»

The anticyclones are categorized into mainly three types: the cold anticyclone, the warm anticyclone and the blocking anticyclone.

23.

What is Tornado?

Answer»

Tornado is the smallest but most terrible and destructive tropical cyclone in terms of its effect, which mainly occurs in the Mississippi Valley of the United States, and in Australia in a minor form.

24.

When hot air climbs above the cold air with intensity, then the front formed in this manner is: (a) Warm front (b) Cold front (c) Stationary front(d) Occluded front

Answer»

Correct Answer is: (a) Warm front

25.

How does Blocking Anticyclone originate?

Answer»

Obstruction of wind circulation in the upper part of the troposphere causes Blocking Anticyclone.

26.

Patterson has divided the fronts into how many categories? (a) 3 (b) 4 (c) 5 (d) 6

Answer»

Correct Answer is: (b) 4

27.

What is the origin of cold anticyclone?

Answer»

In the Arctic territories, due to excessively high temperature caused by radiation and low insolation, high air pressure is formed during the winter, resulting in the origin of cold anticyclones.

28.

Where is the origin of tropical cyclones?

Answer»

Tropical cyclones originate in the oceans between 8° to 15° North latitudes.

29.

Into how many parts is the jet stream categorized?

Answer»

The jet stream is divided into two parts: Sub – Tropical Jet Stream and the Latitudinal or Polar Front Jet Stream.

30.

What is called the carriage for cyclones and anticyclones? (a) Front (b) Air – masses (c) Turbulence (d) Hurricane

Answer»

Correct Answer is: (a) Front

31.

What is cold front?

Answer»

When the hot and light air is lifted by the cold and heavy air, the front so formed is called cold front.

32.

Where do you find the ideal originating area of the air – masses?

Answer»

The following six ideal generating regions of air – masses are found on the earth: 

1. Polar ocean area (the northern region of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean) – In these areas, the air – masses are produced during the winter. 

2. Sub – Polar continental zone (glaciated part of Eurasia and North America and Arctic region) – In these areas, the air – masses arise during the winter period. 

3. Monsoon Area (South – East Asia) – This includes India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Indo – China region. 

4. Tropical ocean area (anticyclone area – winter and summer). 

5. Tropical continental region (Mississippi Valley Area of North America, Asia and North Africa). 

6. Equatorial linear areas – Air – masses originate in these areas due to convectional conditions.

33.

Into how many categories the cold anticyclones have been divided?OR Explain the categorisation of cold anticyclones.

Answer»

The cold anticyclones arising in the polar regions have been divided into the following categories on the basis of activation:

1. Temporary and transient anticyclone. 

2. Semi – permanent anticyclone.

1. Temporary and transient anticyclone: This type of anticyclone ends on their way by themselves. Only a few of these reach the tropics. 

2. Semi – permanent anticyclone: These are more active and the path of these types of anticyclones is also extended.

34.

Explain the characteristics of tropical cyclones.Or What are the symptoms of tropical cyclones?

Answer»

The conditions found in tropical cyclones are as follows: 

1. Low air pressure exists in their center and the shape of their isobars is circular. 

2. There is a large variation in their speed. At some places their speed is 32 km/h and at other places it is up to 200 km. per hour. 

3. There is considerable variation in their size. Normally, their diameter ranges from 80 to 300 km. 

4. These cyclones are permanent. They cause rainfall at one place for several days. 

5. These cyclones are more destructive. 

6. These cyclones move fast over the oceans, but they weaken after coming to the land.

35.

Explain the characteristics of cyclones.Or Explain the physical symptoms found in cyclones.

Answer»

Characteristics of Cyclones:

1. Cyclones are the centers of low air pressure in which the air pressure decreases towards the outside from the center. 

2. Winds move from the periphery to the center. 

3. The shape of cyclone shape is elliptical, circular, or ‘V’ shaped. 

4. Cyclone, affects the weather due to which, decline in air pressure, formation of halo around the Moon and the Sun, the occurrence of heavy rain, etc. take place. 

5. In the Northern Hemisphere, the wind blows in the anti – clockwise direction, and clockwise direction in the southern hemisphere.

36.

Explain the conversion of Air – masses.

Answer»

The process of changes in the characteristics of air – masses after their origin due to their movement in other areas (other than origin area) air – masses is called conversion. 

The process of conversion in the air – masses has been clarified as follows:

When the air – masses pass through the other area after leaving the area of their origin, they are converted in various sequential steps.

This conversion is of two types: 

1. Thermodynamic conversion 

2. mechanical conversion.

1. Thermodynamic Conversion: When the air – mass gets heated up or cooled down from below the surface due to the exchange of heat between the surface and the land surface (Basal plane) of the air – masses, it is called Thermodynamic Conversion.

2. Mechanical Conversion: The conversion that occurs in the air – masses, which is free from the heating and cooling provided by the surface is called Mechanical Conversion. For example, the conversion of cyclones, anticyclones, and air due to the vertical movement of air.

37.

Explain the air – mass classification on any one basis.

Answer»

Air – masses are classified on the following two basis:

1. The nature of the origin area. 

2. Conversion of the air – mass.

On the basis of the nature of their area of origin, there are two types of air – masses: the tropical and the polar air – mass. Since the origin area can be either oceans or continents, therefore they can be divided into two sub – classes: sea tropical, continental tropical, sea-polar and continental polar. Due to high humidity in the sea air – masses, they cause excessive rainfall. In contrast, continental air – masses are dry and therefore they cause less rainfall.

38.

Describe the characteristics of temperate cyclones.Or Explain the various physical symptoms found in temperate cyclones.

Answer»

The various physical traits found in temperate cyclones are as follows:

1. Before the advent of these cyclones, long but thin stripes of white clouds appear in the sky. 

2. Before their arrival, the mercury falls continuously in the barometer. 

3. The presence of Halo around Sun and Moon is a sign of their coming. 

4. Before their arrival, the winds begin to change their direction. 

5. Due to the lack of air, if the drains emit a foul smell, than its (cyclone) coming gets confirmed.

39.

Describe the major characteristics of the air – masses.

Answer»

Air – masses are the atmospheric conditions found in a wide area. 

They have the following characteristics:

1. Air – masses are extended to hundreds of kilometers. 

2. There are many layers in the air – masses. 

3. In each horizontal layer of air – masses, there are uniform properties. 

4. Once generated, the air – masses do not remain stable in the area of their origin. 

5. Air – masses affect the area which comes in their contact. 

6. While affecting the area, their own qualities also change. 

7. Due to their large size, the change in the air – masses takes place at a lesser speed.

40.

What effect does jet stream have on the weather?

Answer»

Jet stream plays an important role in creating, inducing, and magnifying fierce weather events such as cyclones, anticyclones, monsoons, furious winds and storms.

41.

Where does the polar front jet stream originate?

Answer»

The polar front jet stream originates in both hemispheres between 40° to 60° latitudes.

42.

How do cyclones affect the weather?

Answer»

When a cyclone arrives, air pressure falls. A halo around the Moon and the Sun is formed, and, it affects the weather by causing heavy rainfall.

43.

How many types of conversions occur in the air – masses?

Answer»

There are two types of conversions in air – masses: 

1. Thermodynamic conversion. 

2. mechanical conversion.

44.

Where do the most temperate cyclones originate? (a) Near 40° latitude (b) Near 50° latitude (c) Near 60° latitude (d) Near 80° latitude

Answer»

(c) Near 60° latitude

45.

Anticyclone areas are: (a) Arctic Territory(b) Tropical ocean area (c) Tropical continental region (d) Sub – Polar Areas

Answer»

(b) Tropical ocean area

46.

What v is meant by cyclone? Explain the origin cyclones.

Answer»

Cyclone commonly refers to the center of low air pressure, around which the air pressure gradually increases. Because of this the winds flow from all the directions towards the center. 

Their shape is usually elliptical, circular or ‘V’ oriented.

Origin of temperate cyclone: Temperate cyclones originate mainly on polar fronts. But their origin can be anywhere outside the tropical zone. Their origin and development is more in the winter season. In the northern hemisphere, these cyclones range from the western coastal parts of the North Pacific Ocean to the Aleutian inland area and from the western shore of the North Atlantic Ocean to the lowlands in Iceland, besides this China, Philippines, Siberia are other major areas. In the southern hemisphere, these cyclones form in both summer and winter in a similar manner. Most cyclones occur around 60° south latitudes here.

Types of temperate cyclones: 

These cyclones are divided into the following parts:

1. Thermal Cyclone: This type of cyclone develops from creation of a low pressure center on the continents due to excessive heat in the temperate regions. In these, the winds move from outside to the center. These are often permanent. These are often formed from low pressure centers over the ocean.

2. Dynamic Cyclone: The origin of the Cyclones is due to the support obtained from conjunction of fronts of cold polar and warm tropical oceanic air – masses. These cyclones affect wide areas.

3. Migrant Cyclone: These types of cyclones occur sometimes. These are the results of specific situations.

47.

Wind direction of the cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere is: (a) anti – clockwise (b) vertical (c) Clockwise (d) Oblique

Answer»

(a) anti – clockwise

48.

Where does the tropical cyclones origin?

Answer»

Tropical cyclones originate from the equatorial region between the Tropic of Cancer and Capricorn.

49.

Which of the following is not a type of fronts? (a) Warm Front (b) Cold Front (c) Stationary Front (d) Temporary front

Answer»

(d) Temporary front

50.

What are the theories of origin of cyclones?

Answer»

Following are the major theories of origin of cyclones: 

1. Local Warming Theory: According to this theory, the areas where the heat is high or the temperature is high, the air starts getting heated up fast. Hot air rises and cyclonic conditions arise due to the development of the center of low air pressure. 

2. Dynamic Theory: Vortex is produced in the lower layers of the atmosphere due to several reasons which cause the cyclone to be produced. 

3. Polar Front Theory: According to this theory, the emergence of the cyclones is based on the formation of front. The fronts created by the presence of different air – masses form the cyclone.