MAINS 2016
GS1
12.5 marks
Discuss the concept of air mass and explain its role in macro-climatic changes.
WRITE IN
9 min
200 words
What the examiner wants
Define air masses and explain how their movement and interaction shape large-scale climate.
Discuss + ExplainExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view. Make clear how and why it happens: causes, process, and an example for each point.
Demand-wise check
- 1Concept: large air body with uniform temperature and humidity acquired over a source region≈35 words
- 2Classification: continental/maritime and polar/tropical/arctic/equatorial (cP, mT, etc.)≈35 words
- 3Role: fronts and temperate cyclones, monsoon (mT air from Indian Ocean), cold waves (cP), heat waves (cT), western disturbances, Nor'westers≈35 words
- 4Climate change angle: shifting air mass boundaries alter rainfall patterns≈35 words
Open in about 30 words and close in about 30.
Answer plan
DefinitionSource regions and classificationModificationRole with examplesConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Not linking to macro-climatic changes
- No Indian case: monsoon mT air, western disturbances, winter cold waves
Draw this
- World map of air mass source regions with arrows, or a front diagram
Value addition
- ThinkerBergen School (Bjerknes and Bergeron) developed air mass and polar front theory explaining mid-latitude cyclones.Bergen School, early 20th century
- ExampleMixing of moist mT air from the Bay of Bengal with dry continental air causes pre-monsoon Nor'westers (Kalbaisakhi) in eastern India.IMD
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Abhishek Singh · Page 13 ↗Reviewed PYQ reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 9 minutes, then get it checked.