GATE EE 2017 Set 2 — Question 65

MCQ+2 / -0.67EasyData Interpretation (Bar, Pie, Graphs, Tables)Quantitative AptitudeGeneral Aptitude

General Aptitude → Quantitative Aptitude → Data Interpretation (Bar, Pie, Graphs, Tables)

Last updated 5 September 2026

Question

An air pressure contour line joins locations in a region having the same atmospheric pressure. The following is an air pressure contour plot of a geographical region. Contour lines are shown at 0.05 bar intervals in this plot. If the possibility of a thunderstorm is given by how fast air pressure rises or drops over a region, which of the following regions is most likely to have a thunderstorm?

Correct answer (C) R Solution 1. The question states that the likelihood of a thunderstorm is proportional to the rate of change (rise or drop) of air pressure over a region. This rate of change is represented by the pressure gradient. 2. In a contour map, the gradient is highest where the contour lines are closest together. Closely spaced lines indicate a rapid change in the variable (pressure) over a short distance. 3. By inspecting the provided contour plot: Region P : Contour lines are moderately spaced. Region Q : Contour lines are widely spaced, indicating a low pressure gradient. Region R : Contour lines are very densely packed compared to other regions. Region S : Contour lines are moderately spaced. 4. Because region R has the highest density of contour lines, it experiences the fastest change in air pressure and is therefore the most likely to have a thunderstorm. Turn this into a strength. Explore AI-powered practice and doubt support with Success Tracker.

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Correct answer (C) R Solution 1. The question states that the likelihood of a thunderstorm is proportional to the rate of change (rise or drop) of air pressure over a region. This rate of change is represented by the pressure gradient. 2. In a contour map, the gradient is highest where the contour lines are closest together. Closely spaced lines indicate a rapid change in the variable (pressure) over a short distance. 3. By inspecting the provided contour plot: Region P : Contour lines are moderately spaced. Region Q : Contour lines are widely spaced, indicating a low pressure gradient. Region R : Contour lines are very densely packed compared to other regions. Region S : Contour lines are moderately spaced. 4. Because region R has the highest density of contour lines, it experiences the fastest change in air pressure and is therefore the most likely to have a thunderstorm.

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