Question map
Consider the following statements : 1. The Red Sea receives very little precipitation in any form. 2. No water enters the Red Sea from rivers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
Explanation
The correct answer is option C because both statements are accurate.
**Statement 1 is correct:** The Red Sea region receives minimal precipitation, with annual rainfall varying between 100-200 mm in the north and dropping below 100 mm further[1] south except near the coast. This confirms that the Red Sea receives very little precipitation.
**Statement 2 is correct:** Perennial watercourses are absent in the Red Sea region, while surface drainage consists of ephemeral [2]streams and wadis. This means no permanent rivers discharge into the Red Sea. While there are major catchments like Khor Baraka, Arab, ArbaatâOdrus, Gowb and Diib[3], these are seasonal drainage systems, not permanent rivers that continuously flow into the Red Sea.
The Red Sea is therefore characterized by extremely low freshwater input, both from precipitation and river discharge, making it one of the world's most saline water bodies. Both statements accurately describe this hydrological characteristic.
Sources- [1] https://www.fao.org/4/i0936e/i0936e00.pdf
- [2] https://www.fao.org/4/ae917e/ae917e00.pdf
- [3] https://www.fao.org/4/ae917e/ae917e00.pdf
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis question masquerades as a specific fact-check but is actually a fundamental test of Oceanography (Salinity Budget). It penalizes students who rely solely on 'extreme statement' elimination tricks (e.g., 'No water' is usually false) without applying geographic common sense about the arid region surrounding the Red Sea.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
Gives a global classification of precipitation regimes (e.g., equatorial belt and coastal monsoon lands >200 cm; rainâshadow and high latitudes <50 cm).
A student can locate the Red Sea on a world map, determine which of these precipitation regimes it lies in (coastal/monsoon/equatorial or arid/rainâshadow), and therefore judge whether its mean annual precipitation is likely high (>200 cm), moderate, or very low (<50 cm).
Explains latitudinal patterns: between 45° and 65° N/S western continental margins get more rain; windward mountain coasts get greater rainfallâshowing how latitude, winds and coastal mountains control coastal precipitation.
By placing the Red Sea in latitude and checking for prevailing wind patterns and nearby orography, a student can infer whether coastal rainfall there should be comparatively high or low.
Describes how equinox/ITCZ positions produce rainfall peaks in equatorial climates and that equatorial regions have annual averages always above 150 cm.
A student can check whether the Red Sea is influenced seasonally by the ITCZ/equatorial dynamics; if not, that suggests it would not share the high annual rainfall (>150 cm) typical of equatorial climates.
Gives examples of extreme orographic enhancement of precipitation (e.g., Mawsynram/Cherrapunji >1000 cm) showing that mountains near coasts can drastically increase local precipitation.
A student can examine whether the Red Sea coasts have comparable windward mountain topography; absence of such orographic features would make extreme high precipitation unlikely.
Notes that climate change projections include increased annual precipitation (but with fewer rainy days and higher intensity) and mentions seaâlevel changeâshowing that regional precipitation can change over time.
A student considering modern versus historical averages could use this to ask whether recent trends might raise or alter reported Red Sea precipitation figures, prompting checking of time periods for any given average.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This tab shows concrete study steps: what to underline in books, how to map current affairs, and how to prepare for similar questions.
Login with Google to unlock study guidance.
Discover the small, exam-centric ideas hidden in this question and where they appear in your books and notes.
Login with Google to unlock micro-concepts.
Access hidden traps, elimination shortcuts, and Mains connections that give you an edge on every question.
Login with Google to unlock The Vault.