Climate class 9 Geography MCQ & SAQ

Climate class 9 Geography NCERT SOLUTION

Q.1. Which one of the following places receives the highest rainfall in the world?

(a) Silchar 

(b) Mawsynram 

(c) Cherrapunji 

(d) Guwahati

Ans. (b) Mawsynram

Q.2. The wind blowing in the Northern Plains in the summers is known as

(a) Kaal Baisakhi 

(b) Loo 

(c) Trade Winds 

(d) None of the above

Ans. (b) Loo

 

Q.3. Which one of the following causes rainfall during winters in the north-western part of India?

(a) Cyclonic depression

(b) Retreating monsoon

(c) Western disturbances

(d) Southwest monsoon

Ans. (c) Western disturbances

 

Q.4. Monsoon arrives in India approximately in

(a) Early May

(b) Early July

(c) Early June

(d) Early August

Ans. (c) Early June

 

Q.5. Which one of the following characterizes the cold-weather season in India?

(a) Warm days and warm nights

(b) Warm days and cold nights

(c) Cool days and cold nights

(d) Cold days and warm nights

Ans. (c) Cool days and cold nights

 

Answer the Following Questions Briefly

Q.1. What are the controls affecting the climate of India?

Ans.

The elements affecting the climate are:

• Latitude

• Altitude

• Pressure & Winds

• Distance from the sea

• Ocean currents

• Relief features.

Q.2. Why does India have a monsoon type of climate?

Ans. India has a monsoon type of climate because the climate of India is governed by the monsoon winds which are limited between 20° North and 20° South.

 

Q.3. Which part of India does experience the highest diurnal range of temperature and why?

Ans. The Indian desert, located in the north-western part of India, experiences the highest diurnal range of temperature because of the sand which is present there, quickly becomes hot during the day and cools down rapidly during night.

 

Q.4. Which winds account for rainfall along the Malabar Coast?

Ans. Malabar Coast gets rain from South-West Monsoon Winds.

 

Q.5. What are Jet streams and how do they affect the climate of India?

Ans.

• Jet streams are fast flowing, narrow, meandering air currents found in the atmosphere of some planets, including Earth. 

• The westerly flows are responsible for the western disturbances experienced in the north and north-western parts of the country. 

• In the months of October- November the easterly jet streams cause tropical depressions.

Q.6. Define monsoons. What do you understand by “break” in monsoon?

Ans.

• Monsoon refers to a wind system that influences large climatic regions and reverses direction seasonally.

• Monsoon ‘break’ refers to the happening of wet and dry spells during the rainy season.

• The monsoon rains take place only for a few days at a time.

Q.7. Why is the monsoon considered a unifying bond?

Ans.

The monsoon is considered a unifying bond because:

• The monsoon of India is highly influenced by its flora and fauna.

• The water for agricultural activities is provided by these monsoon winds.

• Most of the festivals in India that are related to the agricultural cycle may be known by different names in different parts of the country, but their celebration is decided by the monsoon.

• The river valleys which carry this water also unite as a single river valley unit.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Why does the rainfall decrease from the east to the west in Northern India?

Ans.

• The low-pressure area in India lies in the northwest, towards which the South West Monsoon winds are attracted.

• After depositing moisture in south India, the Bay of Bengal branch of the South West Monsoons strikes the Khasi - Garo Hills.

• After causing heavy rainfall on the windward slopes, these winds turn westwards because of the presence of the lofty Himalayas. 

• These winds then keep depositing rainfall, they go up the Ganga valley towards the low-pressure area. 

• The rainfall deposited thus keeps on decreasing as the winds proceed from east to west in Northern India, as this is the last region to be affected by the monsoons.

Q.2. Give reasons as to why.

(a) Seasonal reversal of wind direction takes place over the Indian subcontinent?

(b) The bulk of rainfall in India is concentrated over a few months.

(c) The Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall winds.

(d) The delta region of the eastern coast is frequently struck by cyclones.

(e)  Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western Ghats are drought-prone.

Ans.

(a) 

• Land and water are of different densities, so the rate of heating and cooling varies. The Indian subcontinent is surrounded by water on three sides.

• In summer the landmass of India is warmer than the surrounding sea, therefore there is low pressure. The sea is cooler, thereby having higher pressure. So, the winds blow from sea to land.

• In winter the land has high pressure while the sea has low pressure. Therefore, the winds blow towards the sea. Thus a seasonal reversal of wind direction takes place.

(b) 

• In India, the bulk of the rainfall is concentrated over a few months. The main source of rainfall is the monsoon wind which blows when there is intense low pressure on the land. 

• The surrounding water body is cool and has high pressure. This ideal temperature and pressure are caused in May when the rain falls between June - September and it becomes cooler (high pressure). The rest of the year is practically dry.

(c)

• During the winter season, the Tamil Nadu coast receives rain from the northeast Monsoon which blows from land to sea. 

• They do not cause any rain in the northern part of the country. But while crossing the Bay of Bengal, they pick up moisture and cause rain on the eastern coast of South India, mainly the Tamil Nadu coast.

(d) 

• The delta region of the eastern coast is frequently struck by cyclones as the low-pressure conditions over northwestern India get transferred to the Bay of Bengal by early November. 

• This shift is responsible for the occurrence of cyclonic depressions that originate over the Andaman sea. 

• These then cross the eastern coast, causing heavy widespread rain leading to great damage to life and property.

(e)

• Relief/Mountains play an important role in the distribution of rainfall in India. The moisture-laden winds (South West Monsoons) cause heavy rain on the windward slopes of the Western Ghats and Khasi-Garo hills. 

• As the winds cross over to the leeward slopes, there is less rainfall as most of it has been deposited on the slope facing the winds. 

• All the area on the leeward side is deprived of rain and is drought-prone. Rajasthan also lies in the rain shadow of the Aravalli hills.

Q.3. Describe the regional variations in the climatic conditions of India with the help of suitable examples.

Ans.

• There is regional variation in the climatic conditions of India. Temperature and Precipitation vary from place to place and season to season.

• During the summer season, the temperature rises up to 50°C in parts of Rajasthan, whereas it may be around 20°C in Pahalgam in Kashmir.

• During the winter season at night, the temperature in Drass in Kashmir may be minus 45°C, whereas in Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala it may have a temperature of 20°C.

• In the Andaman Islands, the difference between the temperatures of day and night may be hardly 7° - 8°C.

• Coastal areas experience less contrast in the temperature, whereas seasonal contrasts are more in the interior of the country.

• There is a decrease in rainfall generally from east to west in the northern plains.

• Most parts of India receive rainfall from June - September, whereas some parts like the Tamil Nadu coast get a large portion of its rain during October and November.

Q.4. Discuss the mechanism of monsoons.

Ans.

Following are the factors responsible for the mechanism of monsoons:

• The differential heating and cooling of land and water create a low pressure on the landmass of India while the seas around experience comparatively high pressure.

• The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is normally positioned about 5°N of the equator. During summer, it shifts over the Ganga plains. It is also known as the monsoon trough during the monsoon season.

• The high-pressure area east of Madagascar is approximately 20°S over the Indian Ocean. This area affects the Indian Monsoon.

• The Tibetan plateau gets intensely heated during summer. This leads to strong vertical air currents and formation of high pressure over the plateau. This high-pressure zone is about 9 km above sea level.

• The westerly jet stream moves to the north of the Himalayas, and the tropical easterly jet stream moves over the Indian Peninsula during summer.

• The periodic change in pressure conditions between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, also known as the 'Southern Oscillation' or 'SO' also affects the monsoon.

• The difference in pressure over Tahiti and Darwin is computed to predict the intensity of the monsoons. Tahiti (18°S/149°W) lies in the Pacific Ocean and Darwin (12°30'S/131°E) lies in northern Australia. If the pressure differences are negative, it means a below-average and late monsoon.

Q.5. Give an account of weather conditions and characteristics of the cold season.

Ans. 

Following are the features of the cold season:

• The winter season begins from mid-November and continues till February; in northern India.

• December and January are the coldest months in the northern part of India.

• The temperature ranges between 10°-15°C in the northern plains, while it ranges between 24°-25°C in Chennai.

• Days are warm and nights are cold.

• Frost is common in the north and the higher slopes of the Himalayas experience snowfall.

• The northeast trade winds prevail over the country in this season. As these winds blow from land to sea, most parts of the country experience a dry season.

• The weather is usually marked by a clear sky, low temperatures and low humidity and weak variable winds.

• The inflow of the cyclonic disturbances from the west and the northwest is a characteristic feature of the cold weather over the northern plains.

• These low-pressure systems originate over the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia and move into India. They cause winter rains over the plains and snowfall in the mountains.

• The winter rainfall is in small amounts but is very important for the rabi crop. This rainfall is locally known as mahawat.

• The peninsular region does not have a well-defined cold season due to the moderating influence of the sea.

Q.6. Give the characteristics and effects of the monsoon rainfall in India.

Ans. 

Characteristics of the monsoon rainfall in India:

• The duration of the monsoon varies from 100 to 120 days from early June to mid-September.

• The normal rainfall suddenly increases, around the time of its arrival and continues regularly for several days. This is called the ‘burst' of the monsoon.

• They are distinguished from the pre-monsoon showers because of their increase in rainfall amount and regularity.

• The monsoon arrives at the southern tip of the Indian Peninsular generally by the first week of June.

• The rainfall is unevenly distributed across the country.

Effects of the monsoon rainfall in India:

• Agriculture in India largely depends on Indian monsoons for water. Late, Low or excessive rains have a negative impact on crops.

• Due to the uneven distribution of rainfall across the country, there are few places that are drought-prone and few are flood affected.

• The monsoon provides India with a diverse climatic pattern. Hence, in spite of the presence of great regional variations, it has a unifying influence upon the country and its people.

Map Skills

Q. On an outline map of India, show the following.

(i) Areas receiving rainfall over 400 cm.

(ii) Areas receiving less than 20 cm of rainfall.

(iii) The direction of the south-west monsoon over India.

Ans. 

 

(i) The Western Coast and North Eastern India receives rainfall over 400 cm. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya are known for receiving the maximum rainfall in the world. The Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep Islands are also known to receive annual rainfall above 400 cm.

(ii) The parts of Northern Kashmir, Western Rajasthan, Deccan plateau and Punjab are known to be the areas that receive scanty rainfall that is less than 20 cm. In the Northern part of India, rainfall decreases toward the west, while in the peninsular region except for Tamil Nadu, the rainfall decreases eastwards.

(iii) South west monsoon is a compound and a self-evolved weather system unique to the Indian subcontinent. The south west monsoon in India moves in a south-west direction. In India there are only south-west and north-east monsoons. Because of the coriolis effect, the south-east monsoon becomes south west trade winds.

Climate class 9 Geography  MCQ

Question: In winter the western cyclonic disturbances originate from which sea?

• a) Mediterranean Sea

• b) Indian Ocean

• c) Caspian Sea

• d) Arabian Sea

Answer: Mediterranean Sea

 

Question: Which area is not an area of low precipitation?

• a) Assam

• b) Western Rajasthan and Gujarat

• c) Leh in Jammu and Kashmir

• d) Deccan plateau

Answer: Assam

 

Question: Which is the coldest place in India?

• a) Drass

• b) Srinagar

• c) Shillong

• d) Bikaner

Answer: Drass

 

Question: Mango showers occur in which one of the following group of two states?

• a) Karnataka and Kerala

• b) Bihar and West Bengal

• c) Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh

• d) Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh

Answer: Karnataka and Kerala

 

Question: Bengal, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh coasts are frequented by cyclones because

• a) Low pressure conditions in northwest India lead to the creation of depression over Andaman Sea

• b) The level coastline makes the cyclones penetrate these areas earlier

• c) These areas are close to a volcano

• d) Heavy rainfall in these parts encourage strong wind conditions

Answer: Low pressure conditions in northwest India lead to the creation of depression over Andaman Sea

 

Question: The peninsular part of India experiences peak summers earlier than northern India because:

• a) Due to northward movement of the sun, the global heat belt shifts northward

• b) There is less rainfall in the peninsula during that time.

• c) Cold waves from Central Asia sweep through the northern plains during this time.

• d) Clouds do not form in those months

Answer: Due to northward movement of the sun, the global heat belt shifts northward

 

Question: Kal Baisakhi is associated with

• a) Bengal

• b) Punjab

• c) Kashmir

• d) Karnataka

Answer: Bengal

 

Question: The term monsoon is originated from?

• a) Arabic

• b) German

• c) Hindi

• d) Latin

Answer: Arabic

 

Question: In which month the transition season changes from the hot rainy season to the dry winter season?

• a) October to November

• b) December to February

• c) February to March

• d) June to July

Answer: October to November

 

Question: Which of the following causes rainfall in West Bengal during the hot weather season?

• a) Kal Baisakhi

• b) Mango showers

• c) Southwest monsoon

• d) Retreating Monsoon

Answer: Kal Baishakhi

 

More Questions................

 

Question: Which of the following stations of India experiences snowfall in winter?

• a) Srinagar

• b) Aurangabad

• c) Guwahati

• d) Ooty

Answer: Srinagar

 

Question: By which of the following dates do southern parts of our islands receive their first monsoon showers?

• a) First week of April

• b) First week of May

• c) First week of June

• d) Mid-October

Answer: First week of April

 

Question: In which of the following stations of India's mainland do the monsoons arrive first?

• a) Thiruvananthapuram

• b) Kolkata

• c) Chennai

• d) Delhi

Answer: Thiruvananthapuram

 

Question: The word monsoon is derived from a word which literally means which of the following?

• a) Seasons

• b) Wind pattern

• c) Change

• d) Mosambi

Answer: Seasons

 

Question: Which of the following prevents the southwest monsoon winds from escaping from India?

• a) The Himalayas

• b) The surrounding seas

• c) Low pressure over Central Asia

• d) The Indian deserts

Answer: The Himalayas

 

Question: Due to which of the following reasons is the southwest monsoon's rain bearing winds?

• a) They blow over the warm Indian Ocean and gather moisture

• b) They blow from a low pressure area of north-eastern India towards the seas

• c) They are seasonal winds

• d) They strike the Himalayas

Answer: They blow over the warm Indian Ocean and gather moisture

 

Question: From which of the following pressure belts do the north-easterly trade winds originate?

• a) Subtropical high pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere

• b) Equatorial low pressure belt

• c) Subtropical high pressure belt of the Southern Hemisphere

• d) Temperate low pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere

Answer: Subtropical high pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere

 

Question: Which of the following is a component of upper air circulation?

• a) Jet stream

• b) North-easterlies

• c) South-west monsoon

• d) Kal Baisakhi

Answer: Jet stream

 

Question: Which of the following winds brings widespread rainfall over the mainland of India?

• a) Southwest monsoon winds

• b) Northeasterly

• c) Westerlies

• d) Sea breeze

Answer: Southwest monsoon winds

 

Question: Which of the following atmospheric conditions govern the climate and associated weather conditions in India?

• a) All the options

• b) Pressure and surface winds

• c) Upper air circulation

• d) Western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones

Answer: All the options

 

Question. Which of the following is not an element of weather and climate?

(a) Atmospheric pressure

(b) Temperature

(c) Humidity

(d) Altitude

Answer :  D

Question. In which of the following months does the Tamil Nadu coast get most of its rainfall?

(a) December to February

(b) March to May

(c) October to November

(d) June to September

Answer :  C

Question. Which is the coldest place in India?

(a) Drass

(b) Srinagar

(c) Shillong

(d) Bikaner

Answer :  A

Question. Which of the following is a component of upper air circulation?

(a) North-easterlies

(b) Jet stream

(c) South-west monsoon

(d) Kal Baisakhi

Answer :  B

Question. In which of the following places are houses built on stilts?

(a) Assam

(b) Rajasthan

(c) Goa

(d) Kerala

Answer :  A

Question. The extreme climate is generally associated with

(a) Tropical areas

(b) Temperature areas

(c) Interior areas

(d) None of the above

Answer :  C

Question. From which of the following pressure belts do the north-easterly trade winds originate?

(a) Equatorial low pressure belt

(b) Subtropical high pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere

(c) Subtropical high pressure belt of the Southern Hemisphere

(d) Temperate low pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere

Answer :  B

Question. Which of the following states suffer from loo?

(a) Chattisgarh

(b) Tamil Nadu

(c) Kerala|

(d) None of the above

Answer :   D

Question. Which of the following atmospheric conditions govern the climate and associated weather conditions in India?

(a) Pressure and surface winds

(b) Upper air circulation

(c) Western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones

(d) All the above

Answer :  D

Question. Which of the following places in India experiences the highest summer temperature?

(a) Pahalgam

(b) Leh

(c) Thiruvananthapuram

(d) Jaisalmer

Answer :  D

Question. Due to which of the following factors does Pune receive much lesser rainfall as compared to Mumbai?

(a) It is located on the leeward side of Western Ghats

(b) It is located on the windward side of Western Ghats

(c) Continentality

(d) Distance from the sea

Answer :  A

1. Which of the following is not an element of weather and climate?

(a) Atmospheric pressure

(b) Temperature

(c) Humidity

(d) Altitude

► (d) Altitude

 

2. Which of the following terms refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long period of time (more than thirty years)?

(a) Atmosphere

(b) Annual range of temperature

(c) Climate

(d) Monsoons

► (c) Climate

 

3. Which one of the following terms is used for the state of atmosphere over an area at any point of time ?

(a) Weather

(b) Winds

(c) Climate

(d) Pressure

► (a) Weather

 

4. Which of the following is the rainiest station?

(a) Shillong

(b) Mumbai

(c) Chennai

(d) Kolkata

► (a) Shillong

 

5. Which of the following places in India experiences the highest summer temperature?

(a) Pahalgam

(b) Leh

(c) Thiruvananthapuram

(d) Jaisalmer

► (d) Jaisalmer

 

6. Most parts of India receive rainfall during which of the following months?

(a) December to February

(b) March to May

(c) June to September

(d) October to November

► (c) June to September

 

7. Which one of the following is the driest station?

(a) Mumbai

(b) Leh

(c) Bengaluru

(d) Delhi

► (b) Leh

 

8. Which of the following places in India experiences a very high diurnal range of temperature?

(a) Kolkata

(b) Jodhpur

(c) Chennai

(d) Delhi

► (b) Jodhpur

 

9. In which of the following places are houses built on stilts?

(a) Assam

(b) Rajasthan

(c) Goa

(d) Kerala

► (a) Assam

 

10. In which of the following places of India there is very little difference between day and night temperatures?

(a) Guwahati

(b) Nagpur

(c) Thiruvananthapuram

(d) Delhi

► (c) Thiruvananthapuram

 

11. Latitude and altitude of a place determine which of the following climatic elements of a place?

(a) Pressure and wind system

(b) Temperature

(c) Rainfall pattern

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

12. Which of the following places of India experiences an extreme type of climate?

(a) Shillong

(b) Bengaluru

(c) Chennai

(d) Delhi

► (d) Delhi

 

13. Which one of the following is not one of the six major controls of the climate of any place?

(a) Latitude

(b) Temperature

(c) Pressure and wind system

(d) Distance from the sea

► (b) Temperature

14. Due to which of the following factors does Pune receive much lesser rainfall as compared to Mumbai?

(a) It is located on the leeward side of Western Ghats

(b) It is located on the windward side of Western Ghats

(c) Continentality

(d) Distance from the sea

► (a) It is located on the leeward side of Western Ghats

 

15. The Indian subcontinent experiences comparatively milder winters as compared to

Central Asia due to which of the following factors?

(a) The Tropic of Cancer

(b) The surrounding seas

(c) The Himalayas

(d) Ocean currents

► (c) The Himalayas

 

16. Which of the following latitudes passes through the middle of our country, giving it the

characteristics of tropical as well as subtropical climate?

(a) Tropic of Capricorn

(b) Tropic of Cancer

(c) Equator

(d) 82°30'N

► (b) Tropic of Cancer

 

17. Which of the following atmospheric conditions govern the climate and associated weather

conditions in India?

(a) Pressure and surface winds

(b) Upper air circulation

(c) Western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones

(d) All the above

► (d) All the above

 

18. The Indian subcontinent experiences comparatively milder winters as compared to

Central Asia due to which of the following factors?

(a) The Tropic of Cancer

(b) The surrounding seas

(c) The Himalayas

(d) Ocean currents

► (c) The Himalayas

 

19. From which of the following pressure belts do the north-easterly trade winds originate?

(a) Equatorial low pressure belt

(b) Subtropical high pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere

(c) Subtropical high pressure belt of the Southern Hemisphere

(d) Temperate low pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere

► (b) Subtropical high pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere

 

20. Which of the following prevents the southwest monsoon winds from escaping from

India?

(a) The surrounding seas

(b) The Himalayas

(c) Low pressure over Central Asia

(d) The Indian deserts

► (b) The Himalayas

 

21. Which of the following is a component of upper air circulation?

(a) North-easterlies

(b) Jet stream

(c) South-west monsoon

(d) Kal Baisakhi

► (b) Jet stream

 

22. Due to which of the following reasons are the southwest monsoons rain bearing winds?

(a) They blow from a low pressure area of northeastern India towards the seas

(b) They are seasonal winds

(c) They blow over the warm Indian Ocean and gather moisture

(d) They strike the Himalayas

► (c) They blow over the warm Indian Ocean and gather moisture

 

23. Which of the following causes rainfall in West Bengal during the hot weather season?

(a) Mango showers

(b) Kal Baisakhi

(c) Southwest monsoon

(d) Retreating Monsoon

► (b) Kal Baisakhi

 

24. By which of the following dates do southern parts of our islands receive their first monsoon showers?

(a) First week of April

(b) First week of May

(c) First week of June

(d) Mid-October

► (a) First week of April

 

25. The word monsoon is derived from a word which literally means which of the following?

(a) Seasons

(b) Wind pattern

(c) Change

(d) Mosambi

► (a) Seasons

 

26. The peninsular part of India experiences peak summers earlier than northern India because :

(a) There is less rainfall in the peninsula during that time.

(b) Cold waves from Central Asia sweep through the northern plains during this time.

(c) Due to northward movement of the sun, the global heat belt shifts northward

(d) Clouds do not form in those months

► (c) Due to northward movement of the sun, the global heat belt shifts northward

 

27. Which is the coldest place in India?

(a) Drass

(b) Srinagar

(c) Shillong

(d) Bikaner

► (a) Drass

 

28. The term monsoon is originated from?

(a) German

(b) Hindi

(c) Latin

(d) Arabic

► (d) Arabic

Climate class 9 Geography SAQ

Q.1  Define Climate. What are the elements of climate? Ans:

i.Climate refers to the sum of total weather conditions and their variations over a large area for a long period of time (more than thirty years).

 

ii.     The  elements  of  weather  and  climate  are  the  same  i.e.  temperature,  atmospheric  pressure,  wind, humidity and precipitation.

 

Q.2  What are the controlling elements of the climate of India?

India's  climate  is  controlled  by  latitude,  altitude, pressure  and  winds,  distance  from  the  sea,  ocean currents and physiography.

 

Q.3  Discuss the unifying role of the Indian monsoon.

There is great diversity of the climatic conditions in India due to different locations and land relief patterns. But these diversities are subdued by the monsoon, which blows over the whole country. The arrival of the monsoon is welcomed all over the country.

1. Several festivals are celebrated welcoming the monsoonal rainfall in India.

2. The monsoonal rainfall provides water for agricultural activities.

3. Monsoon gives relief from the scorching heat. The entire life of the Indian people revolves around the monsoon.

 

Q.4  Distinguish between weather and Climate. Ans

 

Weather	Climate
i.    Weather    refers    to    the    state    of    the atmosphere at any point of time and place.	i. Climate refers to the sum of total weather conditions and variations over an area for a long period of  time (more than 30 years).
ii. Weather conditions may vary at intervals of a few hours or a few days.	ii. Climate does not change so frequently.
iii. Weather data are the observations recorded at a specific time.	iii. Climate refers to the average value of several elements of weather, relating to a period of more than 30 years.

 

Q.5 Give three characteristics of monsoonal rainfall in India.

Ans Characteristics of monsoon rainfall are:-

i.   Early in the season, the windward side of the Western Ghats receives heavy rainfall i.e. more than 250 cm.

ii.  The rain shadow areas of Deccan Plateau and parts of Madhya Pradesh receive scant rainfall. The maximum rainfall is recorded in the north eastern part of the country.

iii.The frequency and intensity of tropical depressions determine the amount and duration of monsoon rains.

 

Q.6 What are the western disturbances?

Ans Western Disturbance is the term used in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nepal to describe an extra tropical storm originating in the Mediterranean that brings sudden winter rain and snow to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent. This is a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by Westerly. The moisture in these storms usually originates over the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Q.7 What is El Nino? Mention any of its two effects.

Ans El Nino is a warm ocean current that flows over Peru in an interval of two to five years. The term El Nino, derived from Spanish, means ‘the child’, i.e. baby Christ. It flows in the month of December.

Its effects are :-

i.   Surface temperature in the sea has increased.Ii.   Trade winds in the region have weakened.

 

Q.8 What are the six controlling elements of the climate of India? 

Ans   India’s climate is controlled by

1. Latitude  2. Altitude   3. Pressure and winds

4. Distance from the sea 5. Ocean currents  6. Physiography

 

Q.9 What is a monsoon?

The term Monsoon is derived from the Arabic word ‘mausim’, meaning season, applied by the Arabs to the seasonal winds of the Arabian Sea. Monsoon winds mean a complete reversal in the direction of wind over a large part of the land, causing seasons.

 

Q.10 What do you understand by the term ‘burst of monsoon’? What are the two branches of the Indian monsoon?

Ans Around the time of the arrival of the monsoons, the normal rainfall increases suddenly and continues constantly for several days. This is known as the ‘burst of the monsoon’

Monsoon gets divided into two branches–

(i) The Arabian Sea branch: The Arabian Sea branch reaches Mumbai, as the name suggests it strikes India from the Arabian Sea side.

(ii)The Bay of Bengal branch: The Bay of Bengal branch also advances rapidly and arrives in Assam in the first week of June. This branch is responsible for giving Meghalaya the highest rainfall in the world.

 

Q.11 What is the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone? Write two features. Ans

1. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is the area encircling the earth near the equator where winds originating in the northern and southern hemispheres come together. This is a low-pressure tropical trough.

2. In summer it is over the Ganga plain. This equatorial trough is normally positioned about 5°N of the equator. It is also known as the monsoon trough during the monsoon season.

3. This trough keeps on changing its position according to the time of the year.

 

Q.12 Explain any three factors that affect the climate of a place?

(Ans)    Factors that affect the climate of a place are:

1.Latitude: Due to the curvature of the earth, the amount of solar energy received varies according to the latitude. As a result, air temperature decreases from the equator towards the poles.

2. Altitude: As one goes from the surface of the earth to higher altitudes, the atmosphere becomes less dense and temperature decreases. The hills are therefore cooler during summers.

3. Distance from the sea: The sea exerts a moderating influence on climate. As the distance from the sea increases, its moderating influence decreases and the people experience extreme weather conditions.

 

Q.13 Write any three features of western cyclonic disturbances? Ans Three features of western cyclonic disturbances are:

1. The western cyclonic disturbances are weather phenomena of the winter months brought in by the westerly flow from the Mediterranean region.

2. They usually influence the weather of the north and north-western regions of India.

3. Tropical cyclones occur during the monsoon as well as in October - November, and are part of the easterly flow. These disturbances affect the coastal regions of the country.

What are Jet streams and how do they affect the climate of India?

Solution:

Jet streams are a narrow belt of high altitude (above 12,000 m) westerly winds in the troposphere. Their speed varies from about 110 km/h in summer to about 184 km/h in winter. A number of separate jet streams have been identified. The most constant is the mid-latitude and the subtropical jet stream.

Over India, these jet streams blow south of the Himalayas, all through the year except in summer. The western cyclonic disturbances experienced in the north and northwestern parts of the country are brought in by this westerly flow. In summer, the subtropical westerly jet stream moves north of the Himalayas with the apparent movement of the sun. An easterly jet stream, called the tropical easterly jet stream, blows over peninsular India, approximately over 14°N during the summer months.

Define monsoons. What do you understand by “breaks' ' in monsoon?

Solution:

The seasonal reversal in wind direction during a year is called the monsoon. Monsoon tends to have ‘breaks’ in rainfall; which means that there are wet and dry spells in between The monsoon rains take place only for a few days at a time and then come to the rainless intervals.

Why does the rainfall decrease from the east to the west in Northern India?

Solution:

The western coast and northeastern India receive over about 400 cm of rainfall annually. However, it is less than 60 cm in western Rajasthan and adjoining parts of Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. Rainfall is equally low in the interior of the Deccan plateau, and east of the Sahyadris. The third area of low precipitation is around Leh in Jammu and Kashmir. The rest of the country receives moderate rainfall.

Snowfall is restricted to the Himalayan region. Owing to the nature of monsoons, the annual rainfall is highly variable from year to year. Variability is high in the regions of low rainfall such as parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western Ghats. As such, while areas of high rainfall are liable to be affected by floods, areas of low rainfall are drought-prone.

Describe the regional variations in the climatic conditions of India with the help of suitable examples.

Solution:

Despite an overall unity in the general pattern, there are perceptible regional variations in climatic conditions within the country. The two important elements, which cause these variations, are – temperature and precipitation.

For example, in summer, the mercury occasionally touches 50°C in some parts of the Rajasthan desert, whereas it may be around 20°C in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. On a winter night, the temperature at Drass in Jammu and Kashmir may be as low as minus 45°C. Thiruvananthapuram, on the other hand, may have a temperature of 20°C.

Climate class 9 Geography LONG QUESTION

Q.1 Discuss the mechanisms of the Indian monsoons.

And The mechanism of Indian Monsoons:-

(i) The different heating and cooling of land and water: At the end of May, due to high temperature, low pressure is created on the landmass of India while seas around experience comparatively high pressure. It fixes the direction of the moisture laden wind from sea to land.

(ii)The shift of the position of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) : In summer, a low pressure trough is positioned over the Ganga plain, making the region suitable for the occurrence of rain.

(iii)The intensity and position of the high atmospheric pressure over the Indian Ocean affects the Indian monsoon.

(iv) The Tibetan plateau gets intensely heated during summer which results in strong vertical air currents and formation of high pressure over the plateau at about 9km above the sea level.

(v)The movements of the westerly Jet Streams to the north of the Himalayas and the presence of the tropical easterly Jet Streams over the Indian Peninsula during the summer affects monsoon.

 

Q.2  Distinguish between South-west monsoon and North-east monsoon. Ans

 

South-West Monsoon	North-East Monsoon
i) The season is from June to September.	i)  This  season  starts  from  December  and  ends  in February.
ii) It does not rain continuously. There are rainless intervals in this season.	ii) It does not possess any rainless intervals.
iii) It blows in India in two branches, namely the Arabian Sea branch and Bay of Bengal branch.	iii) It does not have any branches.
iv) Major portion of annual rainfall in India is due to this type of monsoon.	iv) Minor portion of the annual rainfall in India is due to this type of monsoon.

 

 

Q.3       Distinguish between Equable climate and Continental climate. Ans

 

Equable Climate	Continental Climate
i) Areas which are neither too warm in summers nor not  too cold in  winters (with  low range of temperature) are said to have an equable climate.	i) Places with higher range of temperature (extremes of temperature) It Experiences extreme climate, it is known as continental climate.
ii)  Equable  climates  are  characterized  by  well distributed rainfall throughout the year.	ii) Rainfall in extreme climates is restricted to summer months.
iii) This type of climate is found in places located close to the sea having the moderating influence of the sea.	iii) Interiors of continents/countries which have the least influence of the sea experience have this type of climate.
iv) Chennai, Cochin, Mumbai etc.	iv) Delhi, Kanpur, Bhopal etc.

Give reasons as to why.

(i) The bulk of rainfall in India is concentrated over a few months.

(ii) The Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall.

(iii) The delta region of the eastern coast is frequently struck by cyclones.

(iv) Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the leeward side of the Western Ghats are drought-prone.

Solution:

(i) The bulk of rainfall in India is concentrated over a few months

The inflow of the south-west monsoon into India brings about a total change in the weather. Early in the season, the windward side of the Western Ghats receives very heavy rainfall, more than 250 cm. The Deccan Plateau and parts of Madhya Pradesh also received some amount of rain in spite of lying in the rain shadow area. The maximum rainfall of this season is received in the north-eastern part of the country. Mawsynram in the southern ranges of the Khasi Hills receives the highest average rainfall in the world. Rainfall in the Ganga valley decreases from the east to the west. Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat get scanty rainfall.

(ii) The Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall

A characteristic feature of the cold weather season over the northern plains is the inflow of cyclonic disturbances from the west and the northwest. These low-pressure systems originate over the Mediterranean Sea and western Asia and move into India, along with the westerly flow. They cause the much-needed winter rains over the plains and snowfall in the mountains. Although the total amount of winter rainfall locally known as ‘mahawat’ is small, they are of immense importance for the cultivation of ‘rabi’ crops. The peninsular region does not have a well-defined cold season. There is hardly any noticeable seasonal change in temperature patterns during winters due to the moderating influence of the sea.

(iii) The delta region of the eastern coast is frequently struck by cyclones

The low-pressure conditions over northwestern India get transferred to the Bay of Bengal by early November. This shift is associated with the occurrence of cyclonic depressions, which originate over the Andaman Sea. These cyclones generally cross the eastern coasts of India and cause heavy and widespread rain. These tropical cyclones are often very destructive. The thickly populated deltas of the Godavari, the Krishna and the Kaveri are frequently struck by cyclones, which cause great damage to life and property. Sometimes, these cyclones arrive at the coasts of Orissa, West Bengal and Bangladesh.

(iv) Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western Ghats are drought-prone

Owing to the nature of monsoons, the annual rainfall is highly variable from year to year. Variability is high in the regions of low rainfall such as parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western Ghats. As such, while areas of high rainfall are liable to be affected by floods, areas of low rainfall are drought-prone.

Discuss the mechanism of monsoons.

Solution:

To understand the mechanism of the monsoons, the following facts are important.

• The differential heating and cooling of land and water create a low pressure on the landmass of India while the seas around experience comparatively high pressure.

• The shift of the position of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in summer, over the Ganga plain (this is the equatorial trough normally positioned about 5°N of the equator – also known as the monsoon trough during the monsoon season).

• The presence of the high-pressure area, east of Madagascar, approximately 20°S over the Indian Ocean. The intensity and position of this high-pressure area affect the Indian Monsoon.

• The Tibetan plateau gets intensely heated during summer, which results in strong vertical air currents and the formation of high pressure over the plateau at about 9 km above sea level.

• The movement of the westerly jet stream to the north of the Himalayas and the presence of the tropical easterly jet stream over the Indian peninsula during summer.

Give the characteristics and effects of the monsoon rainfall in India.

Solution:

The Monsoon, unlike the trades, are not steady winds but are pulsating in nature, affected by different atmospheric conditions encountered by it, on its way over the warm tropical seas. The duration of the monsoon is between 100- 120 days from early June to mid-September. Around the time of its arrival, the normal rainfall increases suddenly and continues constantly for several days. This is known as the ‘burst’ of the monsoon and can be distinguished from the pre-monsoon showers.

The monsoon arrives at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula generally by the first week of June. Subsequently, it was divided into two – the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch. The Arabian Sea branch reaches Mumbai about ten days later on approximately the 10th of June. This is a fairly rapid advance.

The Bay of Bengal branch also advances rapidly and arrives in Assam in the first week of June. The lofty mountains cause the monsoon winds to deflect towards the west over the Ganga plains. By mid-June, the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon arrives over Saurashtra-Kachchh and the central part of the country.

The Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal branches of the monsoon merge over the northwestern part of the Ganga plains. Delhi generally receives the monsoon showers from the Bay of Bengal branch by the end of June (tentative date is 29th of June). By the first week of July, western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and eastern Rajasthan experience the monsoon.

By mid-July, the monsoon reaches Himachal Pradesh and the rest of the country. Withdrawal or the retreat of the monsoon is a more gradual process. The withdrawal of the monsoon begins in the northwestern states of India by early September. By mid-October, it withdrew completely from the northern half of the peninsula. The withdrawal from the southern half of the peninsula is fairly rapid. By early December, the monsoon has withdrawn from the rest of the country.

The islands receive the very first monsoon showers, progressively from south to north, from the first week of April to the first week of May. The withdrawal takes place progressively from north to south from the first week of December to the first week of January. By this time the rest of the country is already under the influence of the winter monsoon.