Short Answer Questions

Question 1

What determines the amount of water vapour in the air?

Answer

The amount of water vapour in the air is determined by temperature. The hotter the air, the more
the water vapour present in it. When the atmospheric temperature is low, water vapour is less.

Question 2

How is relative humidity determined?

Answer

Relative humidity is expressed as the ratio between the absolute humidity of a given mass of air and
the maximum amount of water vapour that it can hold at the same temperature.

Question 3

Name four chief forms of condensation.

Answer

Four chief forms of condensation are-

Clouds

Dew

Frost

Fog and mist

Question 4

Mention the different forms of precipitation.

The different forms of precipitation are-

Rain

Snow

Hail

Question 5

Give one difference between fog and mist.

Answer

Fog Mist

Droplets of water suspended in the atmosphere close to the surface of the earth are termed as fog.
It refers to the formation of clouds due to change in temperature or change in humidity.

Question 6

What do you understand by 'condensation nuclei'?

Answer

Condensation occurs only around tiny solid particles like dust or carbon dioxide in smoke. These
impurities in air are known as condensation nuclei.

Question 7

State the three types of rainfall.

Answer

The three types of rainfall are-

Convectional rainfall

Orographic rainfall
Cyclonic rainfall

Question 8

Why is orographic rainfall also called relief rainfall?

Answer

Orographic rainfall is caused by the relief of the land as it occurs from the cooling of warm moist air
which ascends above the mountain barrier lying in the direction of the prevailing winds. The
presence of mountains causes humid air to rise. The sudden ascent causes cooling of air, leading to
condensation and precipitation. Hence, it is also called relief rainfall.

Question 9

What is cyclonic rainfall? What are fronts?

Answer

Cyclonic rainfall occurs due to cyclones and depressions irrespective of relief or convection. It is
caused by convergence of two different air masses with different temperatures and other physical
properties. When warm and cold air masses confront each other, the warmer air generally climbs
above the colder air. The boundary zones of these air masses are called the fronts.

The rising air is cooled while undergoing a frontal lift. This causes precipitation. Such precipitation is
called cyclonic rainfall.

Explain the following terms

Question 1

Precipitation

Answer

The process by which the droplets fall to ground in liquid, solid or frozen form is known as
precipitation.
Question 2

Evaporation

Answer

The process by which water vapour enters the atmosphere on heating is known as evaporation.

Question 3

Condensation

Answer

The process by which water vapour forms water droplets on cooling is known as condensation.

Question 4

Humidity

Answer

The amount of water vapour present in air is known as humidity.

Structured Questions

Question 1(a)

What is 'humidity'? How is humidity measured?

Answer

The amount of water vapour present in air is known as humidity.

Humidity of the atmosphere is measured with the help of a hygrometer.

Distinguish between Absolute Humidity and Relative Humidity.

Answer

Absolute Humidity Relative Humidity

It is the measure of the actual amount of water vapour in the air, regardless of temperature. It
measures water vapour in air but relative to maximum vapour that the air can hold at that
temperature.

It is expressed as grams of moisture per cubic meter of air. It is expressed as the ratio between
the absolute humidity of a given mass of air and the maximum amount of water vapour that it can
hold at the same temperature.

The higher the amount of water vapour, the higher is the absolute humidity. Warm air possesses
more water vapour than cold air, so with the same amount of absolute humidity, air will have a
different relative humidity depending on temperature.

In weather calculations, absolute humidity is generally not taken into account. It is the essential
characteristic of weather forecasts, which indicates the likelihood of precipitation, dew or fog.

Question 1(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) The total volume of water in the oceans and seas remains constant.

(ii) In Equatorial regions the sky often remains overcast with clouds.

(iii) When relative humidity is 100% the temperature reading on both wet and dry thermometers is
the same.

Answer

(i) The total volume of water in the oceans and seas remains constant because all the water that
evaporates from the earth's water bodies is eventually returned to it directly by the process of
condensation and precipitation, and indirectly by stream and overflow from land surfaces.
(ii) In Equatorial regions the sky often remains overcast with clouds due to excessive heat. The high
temperature leads to the rapid heating of air. Such heated air rises in convectional currents, leading
to development of clouds at about 10 km height.

(iii) This is because when relative humidity is 100%, the air is fully saturated with moisture and it will
not hold any more vapour at that temperature. Since saturated air will not allow evaporation, the
temperature reading on both the dry and wet thermometers will be the same.

Question 1(d)

Draw a well labelled diagram showing orographic rainfall.

Answer

Below labelled diagram shows orographic rainfall:

Draw a well labelled diagram showing orographic rainfall. Humidity, Total Geography Solutions ICSE
Class 9.

Question 2(a)

What is condensation? Explain briefly the process of condensation.

Answer

The process by which water vapour forms water droplets on cooling is known as condensation.

During condensation, the latent heat locked in water vapour is released back into the atmosphere.
Condensation can take place only when water vapour is added to saturated air or when the
temperature falls below the temperature at which air becomes saturated.

Question 2(b)

Explain the atmospheric conditions that favour condensation.

Answer
The atmospheric conditions that favour condensation are-

There should be a high amount of water vapour present in atmosphere.

Minuscule particles of dust, salt and even smoke act as condensation nuclei.

The temperature of air must be below dew point temperature so as to encourage condensation.

Question 2(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Condensation is the reverse process of evaporation.

(ii) Coasts receive more rainfall than the interior of the continents.

(iii) The windward sides of mountains receive more rainfall than the leeward sides.

Answer

(i) Condensation is the reverse process of evaporation as evaporation is the process by which water
vapour enters the atmosphere on heating while condensation is the process by which water vapour
is converted back to water droplets on cooling.

(ii) Coasts receive more rainfall than the interior of the continents because the humidity in the
clouds is high when they are at the coast. When they reach the interior of the continents, they have
already shed water in the form of rain, and so, they do not have much humidity left to cause rainfall.

(iii) The windward sides of mountains receive more rainfall than the leeward sides because the
sudden ascent of warm moist air on the windward sides causes cooling of air, leading to
condensation and precipitation.

On the contrary, on descending the leeward slope, a decrease in altitude increases both the pressure
and the temperature, leading the air to get compressed and warm. Consequently, the relative
humidity drops and there is evaporation and little or no precipitation in the rain shadow area.

Question 2(d)

Draw a well labelled diagram showing convectional rainfall.

Below labelled diagram shows convectional rainfall:

Draw a well labelled diagram showing convectional rainfall. Humidity, Total Geography Solutions
ICSE Class 9.

Question 3(a)

How is dew formed? What is the difference between fog and mist?

Answer

When water vapour condenses on the surface, it forms tiny droplets of water called dew.

The difference between fog and mist is as follows-

Fog Mist

Droplets of water suspended in the atmosphere close to the surface of the earth are termed as fog.
It refers to the formation of clouds due to change in temperature or change in humidity.

The density of fog is quite high. The density of mist is quite low.

The visibility in fog is lower when compared to mist. The visibility in mist is higher when
compared to fog.

The duration of fog is comparatively longer than mist. The duration of mists is comparatively
shorter than fog.

Question 3(b)

Describe briefly the orographic and convectional rainfall.

Answer

Orographic rainfall — It occurs from the cooling of warm moist air which ascends above the
mountain barrier lying in the direction of the prevailing winds. The presence of mountains causes
humid air to rise. The sudden ascent causes cooling of air, leading to condensation and precipitation.
Convectional rainfall — This type of rainfall is common in equatorial regions. The high temperature
leads to the rapid heating of air. Such heated air rises in convectional currents, leading to
development of clouds at about 10 km height. Ascending currents of hot and humid air causes
condensation of the clouds, resulting in heavy rainfall.

Question 3(c)

Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) A rain shadow area is generally dry.

(ii) Frontal rain is common in mid-latitudes.

(iii) Convectional rainfall is called 4 o'clock rainfall.

Answer

(i) The sudden ascent of warm moist air on the windward sides causes cooling of air, leading to
condensation and precipitation.

On the contrary, on descending the leeward slope, a decrease in altitude increases both the pressure
and the temperature, leading the air to get compressed and warm. Consequently, the relative
humidity drops and there is evaporation and little or no precipitation in the rain shadow area.
Hence, a rain shadow area is generally dry.

(ii) Frontal rain is common in mid-latitudes due to the meeting of the sub-tropical and polar air
masses. It is caused by convergence of two different air masses with different temperatures and
other physical properties. When warm and cold air masses confront each other, the warmer air
generally climbs above the colder air. The rising air is cooled while undergoing a frontal lift. This
causes precipitation. Such precipitation is called cyclonic rainfall.

(iii) Convectional rainfall is called 4 o'clock rainfall as this type of rainfall occurs in the afternoon at
about 4 o'clock. This is because the heat from the sun builds up throughout the day, causing the air
to rise and form clouds that eventually bring rain in late afternoon around 4 o'clock.

Question 3(d)

Define precipitation. Explain briefly the three forms of precipitation.

The process by which products of condensation, water droplets, ice crystals, sleet, etc., fall to ground
is known as precipitation.

The three forms of precipitation are-

Rain — It is the most common form of precipitation. Raindrops of smaller size and less intensity are
known as drizzle.

Snow — Water droplets which rise higher and freeze on account of drop in temperature is called
snow. Snowfall usually occurs in winters in cold climates or on high mountains.

Hail — Sometimes, vertical air currents may push water droplets or ice particles higher. They form
into solid ice and fall as hail. Hailstones cause great damage to crops.

Thinking Skills

Question 1

Condensation is regarded as the reverse process of evaporation. Imagine if this reverse process does
not happen, what would be its consequences on climate and human beings? Also state the
conditions under which this reversal may not happen.

Answer

If condensation does not occur, it would have significant consequences on climate and human
beings:

Climate consequences —

Reduced cloud formation — Without condensation, clouds would be scarce or non-existent, leading
to decreased cloud cover and overall cloud-related phenomena.

Decreased precipitation — The absence of condensation would result in limited or no rainfall,

Human consequences —

Water scarcity — The lack of condensation and subsequent reduced precipitation would result in
water scarcity, affecting drinking water supplies, agriculture, and various industries dependent on
water resources.

Impact agriculture and food production — Insufficient rainfall due to the absence of condensation
would negatively impact agricultural productivity, leading to crop failures and food shortages.

Ecosystem disruption — Condensation plays a vital role in sustaining ecosystems by providing water
for plants, animals, and other organisms. Without condensation, ecosystems would suffer from
water stress, impacting biodiversity and ecological balance.

Possible conditions under which this reversal may not happen are:

Extremely low humidity — If the air has extremely low humidity levels, there may not be enough
moisture present for condensation to occur.

Lack of condensation nuclei — In the absence of sufficient condensation nuclei, condensation may
be hindered.

Absence of cooling mechanism — Lack of cooling, such as the ascent of air masses or interaction of
warm and cold air, hindering condensation.

Question 2

Name two physical objects in your home which are affected by humidity. Also state the reason for
such an affect.

Answer

Two physical objects in my home which are affected by humidity are:

Woodwind Musical Instruments like flutes are made of wood and can be impacted by humidity. High
humidity can cause the wood to swell, affecting the instrument's structure, playability, and tone
while low humidity can lead to the wood drying out, resulting in cracks, leaks, and changes in sound
quality.

Electronic devices, such as computers, televisions and smartphones can be affected by humidity.
High humidity levels can cause moisture to accumulate inside the devices, potentially leading to
corrosion of circuitry and electrical components. Excessive humidity may also interfere with proper
functioning and performance, causing malfunctions or even permanent damage.
Question 3

List two places which receive two types of rainfall. Give reasons to support your answer.

Answer

Two places which receive two types of rainfall are:

Western Ghats receive both orographic rainfall and convectional rainfall.

Moist winds from the Arabian Sea rise over the mountains, causing heavy orographic rainfall on the
windward side.

High temperatures and local conditions lead to localized thunderstorms and convectional rainfall.

Northeastern states of Meghalaya and Assam also receive both orographic rainfall and convectional
rainfall.

Moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal encounter the Eastern Himalayas, resulting in
significant orographic rainfall on the windward side.

Warm and humid conditions contribute to convective cloud formation, leading to heavy convectional
showers and thunderstorms.

Project Work/Map Work

Question 1

List the forms of precipitation that occur in your city along with the time of year when they occur.

Answer

The forms of precipitation that occur in my city are:

Rain — Rainfall is most common during the monsoon season, which extends from June to
September. The heaviest rainfall occurs in July and August.

Hail — Hailstorms are relatively rare in my city, but they can occur during the pre-monsoon months
of March to May. These storms are more sporadic and less frequent compared to rainfall.

Fog, Mist and Dew — In winters, mornings are foggy in my city and there is a lot of dew at night.