Home / Topic / Planetary winds
Topic Planetary winds
Asked 4 times across 2 UPSC exams over 31 years (1984–2015), peaking in 1984.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 2 of 4 PYQs
- Most asked in 1984
- Recurs across 3 years (1984–2015)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1984 → CAPF 2014
How the concept evolved
Largely a pre-2016 idea — watch for a comeback.
Related concepts
Ideas UPSC tests alongside this one — keep exploring.
Sample questions
You've seen the pattern — here are a few of the actual PYQs.
CAPF2015
Which one of the following factors is NOT connected with planetary wind system ?
- A Latitudinal variation of the atmospheric heating
- B Emergence of the pressure belt
- C Earth's revolution around the Sun ✓
- D Migration of the pressure belts due to apparent path of the Sun
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Geography › Climatology
CAPF2014
Statement IRoaring Forties are strong Westerly winds found in the Southern Hemisphere, generally between the latitudes of 40° and 50°
Statement IIThe strong East to West air currents are caused by the combination of air being displaced from the Equator towards the South Pole and the Earth's rotation and there are few landmasses to serve as wind breaks
- A Both the statements are individually true and Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement I
- B Both the statements are individually true but Statement II is not the correct explanation of Statement I
- C Statement I is true but Statement II is false ✓
- D Statement I is false but Statement II is true
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Geography › Climatology
CSE1984
What does 'Roaring Forties' refer to?
- A The tract of stormy westerly winds between latitudes 20-30°S
- B Whirl winds caused in Atlantic Ocean
- C The region between latitudes 40° and 50°S, where the prevailing westerly winds blow over the open oceans with great ✓
- D None of these
✓ Correct answer: (C)
Geography › Climatology
Study how UPSC repeats — not just the papers
₹199 / 1 year · Founding Member
Full access unlocks the three things no PYQ PDF gives you:
① Cross-exam learning — see the same idea recur across CSE, CAPF, CDS and NDA.
② Topic evolution — how each idea is framed, year by year.
③ Question intelligence — every PYQ + answer, linked to related concepts and similar questions.
e.g. Round Table Conference: CDS 2017 → CSE 2017 → … → CAPF 2024
15 days free, no card required — then ₹199 for 1 year.
Start your 15-day free trial →