SSC CHSL 2023 PYQ — Question 24

SSC CHSL - 07 Aug 2023 - Shift 2 • English • Q24

In the following passage, some words have been deleted. Read the passage carefully and select the most appropriate option to fill in each blank.

Seasonal winds are a natural phenomenon that (1)____________ weather patterns across the globe. These winds are caused by the sun's unequal heating of the earth's surface, which creates differences in temperature and pressure between different regions. The movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas causes seasonal winds to form, and their direction and intensity (2)_____________ depending on the region and season. One of the most significant seasonal winds is the monsoon, which affects large parts of South Asia during the summer months. This wind system brings much-needed rain to the region, but it can also cause flooding and landslides, leading to loss of life and property damage. Other seasonal winds include the harmattan in West Africa, which is a dry, dusty wind that blows from the Sahara Desert towards the Atlantic coast, and the mistral in southern France, which is a strong, cold wind that blows down the Rhone Valley towards the Mediterranean. Seasonal winds can have a significant (3)_________ on agriculture, particularly in regions where rainfall is limited. Farmers rely on the monsoon or other seasonal winds in these areas to bring moisture to their crops. However, changes in wind patterns due to climate change can (4)______________ these seasonal rains, leading to crop failures and food shortages. Overall, seasonal winds are a vital part of the earth's weather system, and their effects are (5)_____________ across the globe.

Select the most appropriate option to fill in blank 4.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is option 4 i.e. disrupt.

The word "disrupt" means to disturb, interrupt, or throw off balance, which here, describes the effect climate change has on seasonal wind patterns and rainfall.

The sentence discusses how climate change affects seasonal rains, potentially leading to crop failures and food shortages.