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Topic Westerlies
Asked 4 times across 2 UPSC exams over 37 years (1984–2021), peaking in 2011.
Key insights
- Most tested in CSE — 3 of 4 PYQs
- Most asked in 2011
- Recurs across 4 years (1984–2021)
How it travelled across exams
First appearance in each exam — the same idea, reframed.
CSE 1984 → GEO 2021
How the concept evolved
Long-running — most appearances (3 of 4) predate 2016, and it still returns.
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.
GEO2021
Very strong air currents in the upper air westerlies are known as:
- A Jet streams
- B Tornados
- C Blizzards
- D Chinook winds
Answer key not yet available (pending official release)
Geography › Climatology
CSE2015
Consider the following statements
- The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies
- The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A 1 only
- B 2 only ✓
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
✓ Correct answer: (B)
Geography › Climatology
CSE2011
Westerlies in southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent than in northern hemisphere. Why?
- Southern hemisphere has less landmass as compared to northern hemisphere
- Coriolis force is higher in southern hemisphere as compared to northern hemisphere
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A 1 only ✓
- B 2 only
- C Both 1 and 2
- D Neither 1 nor 2
✓ Correct answer: (A)
Geography › Climatology
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