UPSC Mains 2017 GS1 Q17 — Climatology
What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the world population residing in Monsoon Asia ? (250 words)
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What characteristics can be assigned
- Scope keywords
- monsoon climatefeeding more than 50 percentworld populationMonsoon Asia
- Implicit sub-parts
- Specific climatic features of the Monsoon (seasonality, temperature, humidity) that facilitate agriculture.
- The link between these climatic traits and specific high-yield cropping patterns (e.g., intensive subsistence rice cultivation).
- How the spatio-temporal distribution of rainfall supports high population density and food security in South, SE, and East Asia.
- Common pitfalls
- Focusing too much on the 'mechanism' of monsoons (ITCZ, Jet streams) rather than the 'characteristics' affecting agriculture.
- Neglecting to define 'Monsoon Asia' geographically, which includes India, China, SE Asia, and Japan.
- Failing to mention the 'unpredictability' or 'variability' as a characteristic that necessitates irrigation and water management infrastructure.
- Ignoring the role of the summer-winter temperature variations which allow for multiple cropping cycles (Rabi/Kharif).
- Dimensions required
- ClimatologicalAgrarianDemographicSocio-economicGeographical
- Marks allocation hint
Devote approximately 50-60 words to identifying the core climatic characteristics (seasonality, reversal of winds). Allocate the bulk (140 words) to explaining how these specific traits (thermal efficiency, moisture) drive food production and support high population densities. Use the final 50 words to discuss the challenges of climate variability to food security.
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