NCERT Class 11 Geography Chapter 11 : World Climate and Climate Change | Line-by-Line MCQs & Mains Questions for UPSC

Chapter Insights: Chapter -11- World Climate and Climate Change

📚 NCERT Integrated 📖 Standard Book Ref ✅ PSC & UPSC Aligned

This chapter is divided into two main parts: classifying the world's climates and understanding climate change. It begins by explaining the empirical, genetic, and applied approaches to climate classification, focusing on the widely used Koeppen Scheme.

This empirical system classifies climates based on observed temperature and precipitation data and their relationship with vegetation. It uses capital letters (A, B, C, D, E) for major groups and small letters for subtypes based on seasonality.

The chapter details the characteristics, locations, and sub-divisions of each major group: Tropical Humid (A), Dry (B), Warm Temperate/Mid-Latitude (C), Cold Snow Forest (D), and Polar (E) climates. The second part addresses Climate Change, establishing it as a natural process evidenced by geological records, tree rings, and historical accounts like the Little Ice Age.

It discusses the causes, categorizing them into astronomical (e.g., sunspot activity, Milankovitch oscillations) and terrestrial (e.g., volcanism) factors. The chapter highlights the most significant contemporary cause: the anthropogenic increase in Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) like CO2, CH4, CFCs, and N2O.

It explains the greenhouse effect, where these gases trap long-wave radiation, leading to global warming. The text outlines the consequences (sea-level rise, disruption of life-support systems) and international mitigation efforts like the Kyoto Protocol. It concludes with data showing a clear warming trend in the 20th century, with 1998 noted as an exceptionally warm year.

Note on Coverage: These questions are developed through a line-by-line analysis of the textbook. This ensures that even the smaller details and nuanced concepts often overlooked are covered for comprehensive exam preparation.

Preparation Method

We recommend reading the NCERT chapter thoroughly before attempting these questions. The page numbers provided correspond to the actual textbook pages to help you locate the source material quickly.

Section A: Descriptive Questions

  1. What are the three broad approaches adopted for classifying world climate? Briefly describe each. (Pg. 1) Page 91
  2. How does Koeppen's scheme use letters to designate climatic groups and types? (Pg. 1) Page 91
  3. Describe the characteristics of Koeppen's Group A: Tropical Humid Climates. Name its three sub-types. (Pg. 2) Page 92
  4. Differentiate between Tropical Wet (Af) and Tropical Wet and Dry (Aw) climates in terms of rainfall and seasons. (Pg. 2-3) Page 92-93
  5. Name the four types of Warm Temperate (Mid-Latitude) Climates (Group C). (Pg. 3) Page 93
  6. Describe the location and key features of the Marine West Coast Climate (Cfb). (Pg. 4) Page 94
  7. What geological and historical evidence indicates that climate change is a natural and continuous process? (Pg. 5) Page 95
  8. List and briefly explain the astronomical and terrestrial causes of climate change. (Pg. 5) Page 95
  9. Explain the greenhouse effect. How does it warm the atmosphere? (Pg. 6) Page 96
  10. What are the potential adverse effects of global warming? (Pg. 6-7) Page 96-97

Section B1: Multiple Choice Questions

Page 91

Koeppen's climate classification scheme is primarily based on: (Pg. 1)

A) Genetic causesB) Observed temperature and precipitation data (Empirical)C) Specific human applicationsD) Atmospheric pressure patterns
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 91
Page 91

How many major climatic groups did Koeppen recognise, and what are they based on? (Pg. 1)

A) 3 groups based on precipitationB) 5 groups; four on temperature, one on precipitationC) 4 groups based on latitudeD) 6 groups based on seasonal patterns
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 91
Page 91-92

Which small letter in Koeppen's scheme corresponds to 'no dry season'? (Pg. 1-2)

A) m (monsoon)B) w (winter dry)C) f (no dry season)D) s (summer dry)
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 91-92
Page 92

Which climatic type (Af) is characterised by no dry season, uniformly high temperature, and thunderstorms every afternoon? (Pg. 2)

A) Tropical Monsoon (Am)B) Tropical Wet and Dry (Aw)C) Tropical Wet (Af)D) Humid Subtropical (Cfa)
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 92
Page 92

In Koeppen's 'B' Dry Climates, the capital letter 'S' stands for: (Pg. 2)

A) DesertB) Steppe or Semi-aridC) SavannaD) Subtropical
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 92
Page 93

Subtropical Steppe (BSh) and Subtropical Desert (BWh) climates are located in which latitude zone? (Pg. 3)

A) 0-15°B) 15-35°C) 35-60°D) 60-90°
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 93
Page 93

Which climate is characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters and occurs around the Mediterranean Sea? (Pg. 3)

A) Humid Subtropical (Cfa)B) Marine West Coast (Cfb)C) Mediterranean (Cs)D) Humid Continental (Df)
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 93
Page 94

Cold Snow Forest Climates (Group D) occur in which hemisphere? (Pg. 4)

A) Southern HemisphereB) Northern HemisphereC) Both HemispheresD) Equatorial Region
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 94
Page 94

Which polar climate (ET) is named after low-growing vegetation and has a region of permafrost? (Pg. 4)

A) Ice Cap (EF)B) Tundra (ET)C) Polar DesertD) Subarctic (Dw)
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 94
Page 95

The last major peak glacial period was about how many years ago? (Pg. 5)

A) 10,000 yearsB) 18,000 yearsC) 5,000 yearsD) 1,000,000 years
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 95
Page 95

Which anthropogenic effect is considered the most important for recent climate change? (Pg. 5)

A) VolcanismB) Sunspot activityC) Increasing concentration of greenhouse gasesD) Milankovitch oscillations
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 95
Page 96

Which of the following is NOT a primary greenhouse gas (GHG) of concern? (Pg. 6)

A) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)B) Methane (CH4)C) Oxygen (O2)D) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 96
Page 96

The international protocol ratified in 1997 to reduce GHG emissions is called the: (Pg. 6)

A) Montreal ProtocolB) Paris AgreementC) Kyoto ProtocolD) Geneva Convention
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 96
Page 97

According to the chapter, which year is noted as probably the warmest year of the 20th century and the whole millennium? (Pg. 7)

A) 1990B) 1950C) 1885D) 1998
View Answer
Answer: D
Source Reference: Page 97
Page 98

(Exercise) Which one is suitable for Koeppen's "A" type of climate? (Pg. 8)

A) High rainfall in all monthsB) Mean monthly temp of coldest month > freezing pointC) Mean monthly temp of all months > 18°CD) Average temp for all months below 10°C
View Answer
Answer: C
Source Reference: Page 98
Page 98

(Exercise) Koeppen's system of classification of climates can be termed as: (Pg. 8)

A) AppliedB) SystematicC) GeneticD) Empirical
View Answer
Answer: D
Source Reference: Page 98
Page 98

(Exercise) Most of the Indian Peninsula will be grouped under: (Pg. 8)

A) AfB) BShC) CfbD) Am
View Answer
Answer: D
Source Reference: Page 98
Page 98

(Exercise) Which year is supposed to have recorded the warmest temperature the world over? (Pg. 8)

A) 1990B) 1998C) 1885D) 1950
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 98
Page 98

(Exercise) Which group of four climates represents humid conditions? (Pg. 8)

A) A-B-C-EB) A-C-D-EC) B-C-D-ED) A-C-D-F
View Answer
Answer: B
Source Reference: Page 98

Section B2: One-Word / Factual Check

Koeppen identified a close relationship between the distribution of ______ and climate. (Pg. 1) Page 91

Show Answer
vegetation (Reference: Page 91)

In Koeppen's scheme, the capital letters A, C, D, and E delineate ______ climates, while B indicates dry climates. (Pg. 1) Page 91

Show Answer
humid (Reference: Page 91)

The small letters a, b, c, and d in Koeppen's classification refer to the degree of severity of ______. (Pg. 2) Page 92

Show Answer
temperature (Reference: Page 92)

The ______ climate (Am) is found over the Indian subcontinent and has heavy rainfall mostly in summer with a dry winter. (Pg. 2) Page 92

Show Answer
Tropical Monsoon (Reference: Page 92)

Dry climates (B) are characterised by very low rainfall that is not adequate for the ______ of plants. (Pg. 3) Page 93

Show Answer
growth (Reference: Page 93)

Fog is common in coastal deserts bordering ______ currents. (Pg. 3) Page 93

Show Answer
cold (Reference: Page 93)

The ______ climate (Cfa) lies on the eastern parts of continents in subtropical latitudes and has rainfall throughout the year. (Pg. 3-4) Page 93-94

Show Answer
Humid Subtropical (Reference: Page 93-94)

Cold climate with dry winter (Dw) occurs mainly over ______ Asia. (Pg. 4) Page 94

Show Answer
Northeastern (Reference: Page 94)

In the ______ climate (EF), even in summer, the temperature is below freezing point. (Pg. 4) Page 94

Show Answer
Ice Cap (Reference: Page 94)

Europe witnessed a "______" from 1550 to about 1850. (Pg. 5) Page 95

Show Answer
Little Ice Age (Reference: Page 95)

The term ______ is derived from the analogy to a glass structure used in cold areas for preserving heat. (Pg. 6) Page 96

Show Answer
greenhouse (Reference: Page 96)

Forests and oceans act as ______ for carbon dioxide. (Pg. 6) Page 96

Show Answer
sinks (Reference: Page 96)

The depletion of ozone concentration in the stratosphere is called the ozone ______. (Pg. 6) Page 96

Show Answer
hole (Reference: Page 96)

The seven warmest years during the period 1856-2000 were recorded in the last ______ of the 20th century. (Pg. 7) Page 97

Show Answer
decade (Reference: Page 97)

(Exercise) The two climatic variables used by Koeppen are ______ and precipitation. (Pg. 8) Page 98

Show Answer
temperature (Reference: Page 98)

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