The GATE Grind

GATE 2026 CE (CE2) – Question 20

Hydrology · Hydrologic cycle, precipitation, evaporation, evapo-transpiration, infiltration · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Following statements are made with respect to the mass curve of rainfall:

(I) Slope at a point on the curve can be positive.

(II) Slope at a point on the curve can be zero.

Which one of the following options is CORRECT?

  1. Both statements (I) and (II) are TRUE.
  2. Both statements (I) and (II) are FALSE.
  3. Statement (I) is TRUE and statement (II) is FALSE.
  4. Statement (I) is FALSE and statement (II) is TRUE.

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) Both statements (I) and (II) are TRUE.

Explanation

A mass curve plots accumulated rainfall against time, so its slope is the rainfall intensity. The slope is positive while it rains and zero during dry spells, when the accumulated depth stays the same. It can never be negative. Both statements are true.