🌏🌏 CHAPTER 3: CLIMATES OF INDIA

Class 7 | Exploring Society: India and Beyond

Notes + Worksheet with Answers
"May the rains be timely, may the Earth be lush with vegetation..." – Subhāśhita

📝📝 STUDY NOTES

1. 🌤🌤 WEATHER vs SEASONS vs CLIMATE

WEATHER = Short-term state of atmosphere at a specific TIME & PLACE (daily
changes).
SEASONS = Recur every year; pattern of weather changes within each year.
CLIMATE = Long-term pattern of weather over DECADES (30+ years) in a region.
Example: 'It is raining today' = Weather. 'Mumbai gets heavy rain every June–September' = Climate.

🗓🗓 Six Seasons (Ṛitus) of India:

Traditional Indian calendar divides the year into 6 seasons (ṛitus):

Ṛitu (Season) English Approx. Months Festival Example

Vasanta Spring Feb–Mar Vasanta Pañchamī
Grīṣhma Summer Apr–May —
Varṣhā Rainy Season Jun–Sep Onam (end of monsoon)
Śharad Autumn Oct–Nov Śharad Pūrṇima
Hemanta Pre-Winter Nov–Dec Chhath Puja
Śhiśhir Winter Dec–Jan Lohri, Makar Sankranti

World has 4 seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.

India has 5/6 seasons including MONSOON as a separate rainy season.
Life in India revolves around ṛitus: crops, food, clothing, festivals, and animal behaviour all change
with seasons.

2. 🗺🗺 TYPES OF CLIMATES IN INDIA

India is a land of climatic diversity, with 7 distinct climate types:

Region/Area Climate Type Characteristics Crops/Feature

Himalayan Alpine Cold snowy winters, cool summers Thick clothing; hill stations
Mountains (north)

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 Hilly areas / lower Temperate Moderately cold winters, not too hot Hill stations (Shimla, Ooty,
Himalayas summers Darjeeling)
Northern Plains Subtropical Very hot summers, cold winters Wheat
Thar Desert (west) Arid Extremely hot days, cool nights, very Unique water collection
little rain (taanka)
Western Coastal Tropical Wet Heavy monsoon rainfall Rice, spices
Strip
Deccan Plateau Semi-Arid Hot summers, mild winters, moderate Dryland crops
(central) rain
Eastern India & Tropical Mild winters, distinct wet & dry Rice, pulses
Southern Peninsula periods (monsoon)

3. 🔬🔬 FACTORS DETERMINING THE CLIMATE

Five major factors shape the climate of any region:

Factor How It Works India Example

a) Latitude Equator = hot (sun rays perpendicular, Kanniyakumari (low lat) = hot year-round.
concentrated energy). Poles = cold (rays Srinagar (high lat) = much cooler.
oblique, spread over large area).
b) Altitude Higher altitude = lower pressure = less dense Ooty (2240m) much cooler than
air = cooler. Also farther from Earth's warm Coimbatore (411m) at SAME latitude.
surface.
c) Proximity to Sea absorbs & loses heat SLOWLY. Acts as Mumbai (coast): 32°C summer, 18°C
Sea temperature moderator. Coastal = mild. Inland winter. Nagpur (inland): 44°C summer,
= extreme. 10°C winter.
d) Winds Hot dry winds from deserts = heat waves. Cold Western India: hot dry winds from Arabia.
winds from mountains = cold waves. Moist North India: cold winds from Himalayas.
winds from sea = rain.
e) Topography Mountains block cold/hot winds. Shape rainfall Himalayas block cold Central Asian
patterns. Mountains force air up, causing rain winds. Western Ghats: heavy rain on
on one side. west, less on Deccan plateau (east).

📊📊 Mumbai vs Nagpur – Effect of Proximity to Sea:

Mumbai (Coastal) Nagpur (Inland)
Distance from sea Near coast Far from coast
Summer temperature ~32°C (cool) ~44°C (hot)
Winter temperature ~18°C (mild) ~10°C (cold)
Temp Range (Max−Min) ~14°C (small) ~34°C (large)
Why? Sea moderates temperature No sea nearby; extreme variation

Key principle: COASTAL areas have SMALLER temperature range. INLAND areas have
LARGER temperature range.
Ooty vs Coimbatore: Same latitude, but Ooty is at 2240m altitude so much cooler (10–25°C) than
Coimbatore (411m, 25–38°C).

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 🏙🏙 Microclimate = A climate localised in a SMALL AREA, different from the surrounding
region.
Examples: Enclosed valleys, dense forests, urban heat islands.
Urban Heat Islands: Cities with lots of buildings/concrete and little vegetation trap heat → much
warmer than surrounding areas.

4. 🌧🌧 THE MONSOONS
Monsoon = From Arabic 'mausim' meaning 'season'. Strictly = seasonal winds over
the Indian Ocean region.
The word 'monsoon' is commonly used to mean the SEASONAL RAINS that the monsoon winds
bring.
Key principle: LAND heats and cools FASTER than the ocean → this creates pressure
differences → wind movement.

🌀🌀 How Southwest Monsoon Forms (Summer):

Step 1: Summer begins → Asian landmass heats up rapidly
Step 2: A powerful LOW-PRESSURE system forms over the hot land
Step 3: Air flows from HIGH pressure (cool ocean) → LOW pressure (hot land)
Step 4: Moisture-laden ocean winds blow towards India (from the southwest = SW Monsoon)
Step 5: Moisture condenses over the hot land and falls as HEAVY MONSOON RAINS
Step 6: Rains start at southern tip of India in early June → cover all of India by mid-July
Step 7: Western Ghats act as barrier → heavy rain on western slopes, less on Deccan (east side)

Southwest Monsoon (Summer) Northeast Monsoon (Winter)

Season June – September October – December
Wind direction Ocean → Land (SW to NE) Land → Ocean (NE to SW)
Pressure on land LOW (heated landmass) HIGH (cooled landmass)
Pressure on ocean HIGH (cooler ocean) LOW (warmer ocean)
Rainfall Heavy → most of India Light → mainly east & south India
Areas affected Whole of India (by mid-July) Mainly Tamil Nadu, AP, east coast
Moisture source Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal Bay of Bengal (passes over it)

🌟🌟 Amazing Facts:
• Mawsynram (Meghalaya) = Highest average annual rainfall in the WORLD: ~11,000 mm (= 11
metres!)
• Monsoons inspired Indian classical music: Meghamalhār and Amruthavarshini are rain-related rāgas
• Fishermen on Konkan coast predict monsoon onset when deep-sea fish come to the surface.
• Southern India: Monsoon expected within 50 days after Golden Shower tree (Cassia fistula)
blossoms.
• Crows building high nests = less rain expected; low nests = heavy rain expected.

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

5. 🎉🎉 CLIMATE AND OUR LIVES
Climate affects: Culture & Festivals | Agriculture & Food | Economy | Health

🌾🌾 Festivals Linked to Seasons & Agriculture:

Festival State/Region Season/Month Significance
Bihu Assam Spring & harvest (April) Celebrates Assamese New
Year & harvest
Baisakhi Punjab, Haryana Spring harvest (April 13/14) Wheat harvest festival; Sikh
New Year
Pongal Tamil Nadu Winter solstice (Jan 14–17) 4-day harvest festival thanking
Sun God
Onam Kerala After monsoon (Aug–Sep) Harvest festival; boat races
Lohri Punjab Pre-harvest (Jan 13) Bonfire festival; end of winter
Chhath Puja Bihar, UP Post-monsoon (Oct–Nov) Worship of Sun for harvest &
prosperity
Makar Sankranti Pan-India Winter solstice (Jan 14) Sun enters Capricorn; kite
festival
Gudi Padwa Maharashtra Spring (March–April) Marathi New Year; start of
spring
Hemis Ladakh Summer (June–July) Buddhist festival; end of harsh
winter
Losoong Sikkim Post-harvest (Dec) Sikkimese New Year after
harvest

Economic Impact of Monsoon:

• Monsoon FAILURE (poor rainfall) → Agriculture suffers → Food prices rise → Inflation
• Women have to walk long distances for water | Labour migration to cities
• Industries depend on predictable weather and water availability

6. 🆘🆘 CLIMATES AND DISASTERS

India's diverse weather brings extreme events. Understanding climate helps prepare for these:

Disaster Definition Cause Affected Regions Human Role

🌀🌀 Cyclone Intense rotating Low pressure near sea Eastern coastline Increased by climate
storm with very high + intense moisture + (mostly); also west change warming the
winds high wind speed ocean

🌊🌊 Flood Water overflowing Heavy rain, rivers/lakes UP, Bihar, Kerala, AP, Deforestation, poor
into normally dry land overflowing, glacial Assam; Himalayan drainage, urban
burst valleys concrete surfaces

🏔🏔 Landslide Sudden collapse of Heavy rain, HP, Uttarakhand, Cutting forests, unsafe
rock/soil/debris down earthquakes, Sikkim, Arunachal, W. construction, blocked
a slope deforestation Ghats waterways

🔥🔥 Forest Fire Uncontrolled fire Dry climate, drought, Uttarakhand, HP, MP, Human carelessness;
spreading through high winds, human Chhattisgarh, W. Ghats worsened by rising
vegetation carelessness temperatures

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 ⚠ Important: Glacial Burst (GLOF = Glacial Lake Outburst Flood):
Glacial lakes are held by rock/ice barriers. Fast glacier melt (due to climate change) → pressure
builds → barrier breaks = sudden devastating flood.
2013 Uttarakhand disaster: Glacial burst + continuous rain → landslides → Kedarnath area
destroyed → ~6,000 people (including pilgrims) killed.

NDRF = National Disaster Response Force

• Specially trained to respond to both natural and human-made disasters
• 12 battalion locations across India
• Key role in cyclone, flood, and landslide rescue and evacuation

7. 🌡🌡 CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Change = Significant, long-term shifts in global/regional temperature,
precipitation and weather events.
Natural processes drove climate change in the past (millions of years).
Since the 19th century, HUMAN ACTIVITIES are the main driver of rapid climate change.

🏭🏭 Causes of Human-Driven Climate Change:

Cause How it affects climate
Burning of Fossil Fuels (coal, Releases CO₂ and greenhouse gases → traps extra heat → global
petroleum, gas) warming
Deforestation Fewer trees to absorb CO₂ → more CO₂ in atmosphere → more
warming
Harmful Industrial Practices Greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, waste
Excessive/Wasteful Consumption More energy used → more fossil fuels burned → more emissions

The Greenhouse Effect:

• Natural greenhouse effect: CO₂ and greenhouse gases trap some sun heat → keeps Earth warm
enough for life (GOOD).
• Human activities release EXTRA greenhouse gases → trap EXTRA heat → Earth gets TOO warm =
GLOBAL WARMING (BAD).
India 2025: Average temperature was 1–3°C above normal; winter much shorter and milder than
usual.

Climate Mitigation Measures (reducing climate change):

• Cutting down greenhouse gas emissions
• Planting more trees (reforestation)
• Boosting renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro)
• Improving energy efficiency
• Promoting sustainable lifestyles and consumption
• Building community resilience and adaptation capacity

⚡ QUICK REVISION – KEY FACTS

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 Remember these!
• Weather = daily; Seasons = yearly; Climate = decades (30+ years)
• India has 7 climate types: Alpine, Temperate, Subtropical, Arid, Tropical Wet, Semi-Arid, Tropical
• 5 factors of climate: Latitude | Altitude | Proximity to sea | Winds | Topography
• Equator = hot; Poles = cold (due to angle of sun's rays)
• Higher altitude = lower pressure = less dense air = cooler temperature
• Coastal areas = moderate temperature (smaller range); Inland = extreme temperature (larger range)
• Monsoon from Arabic 'mausim' = 'season'
• SW Monsoon: June–Sep | Starts southern tip June | Covers India by mid-July
• NE Monsoon: Oct–Dec | Winds go land → ocean | Brings rain to east & south India
• Mawsynram, Meghalaya = world's highest annual rainfall (~11,000 mm)
• Eye of cyclone = cloudless centre of the storm
• Glacial burst = sudden break of glacial lake barrier = devastating flood
• 2013 Uttarakhand disaster: ~6,000 people killed near Kedarnath
• NDRF = National Disaster Response Force, 12 locations in India
• Fossil fuels = coal, petroleum, natural gas (formed from dead organisms, millions of years ago)
• Greenhouse effect: CO₂ traps heat. Extra CO₂ from humans = global warming
• India 2025: temperature 1–3°C above normal; shorter winter
• Six Indian seasons (ṛitus): Vasanta, Grīṣhma, Varṣhā, Śharad, Hemanta, Śhiśhir

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 📋📋 WORKSHEET – QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

SECTION A: In-Chapter Questions

1. Why is Ooty (Udhagamandalam) cooler than Coimbatore despite being at the same
latitude?

✏ Answer:
• Latitude is the same, so that factor is equal for both cities.
• The key difference is ALTITUDE: Ooty is at ~2240 m above sea level; Coimbatore is only at ~411
m.
• Higher altitude = lower atmospheric pressure = less dense air = cooler temperature.
• Also, the higher you go, the farther you are from the Earth's warm surface.
• Result: Ooty summers 10–25°C; Coimbatore summers 25–38°C.
• This is why hill stations like Ooty, Shimla, Darjeeling are cooler than the plains below.

2. Why does land heat up faster than the ocean? How does this create monsoon winds?

✏ Answer:
• Land heats up and cools down FASTER than the ocean (the ocean retains heat much longer).
• In SUMMER: Land heats up quickly → creates a LOW-pressure system over the land.
• Ocean remains cooler → HIGH pressure over the ocean.
• Wind always flows from HIGH pressure → LOW pressure.
• So winds blow from the cool ocean TOWARDS the hot land = Southwest Monsoon.
• These ocean winds carry moisture → rains fall when they reach the hot land.
• In WINTER: Land cools rapidly → HIGH pressure. Ocean is warmer → LOW pressure.
• Winds reverse: blow from land → ocean = Northeast Monsoon (mostly dry).

3. What is the role of the Western Ghats in India's monsoon rainfall?

✏ Answer:
• The Western Ghats are a mountain range along India's western coast (topography factor).
• They act as a NATURAL BARRIER for the SW monsoon winds.
• When monsoon winds hit the Ghats, they are forced upward, cool down, and release HEAVY rainfall
on the WESTERN slopes (Konkan coast, Kerala, Goa).
• By the time the winds cross the Ghats to the east (Deccan Plateau), they have lost most of their
moisture.
• So the Deccan plateau receives LESS rainfall, often with interruptions.
• This is why Kerala gets much more rain than Maharashtra's inland areas.

4. What are urban heat islands? How do they form?

✏ Answer:
• An urban heat island is a microclimate where a city is significantly WARMER than the surrounding
rural areas.
• Forms because: buildings, roads, and concrete surfaces absorb and retain heat; very little
vegetation to cool the area.
• Lack of trees means no evaporation cooling; concrete radiates heat back at night.
• Vehicles and factories also add heat.
• Effect: City can be several degrees warmer than nearby countryside.

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 • Example: Delhi and Mumbai are noticeably warmer than rural areas around them.

5. How does climate affect the economy? What happens when the monsoon fails?

✏ Answer:
• Climate (especially monsoon) directly affects agriculture, which supports most of India's rural
economy.
• Monsoon FAILURE (poor rainfall) effects:
→ Crops fail → food shortages → grains, vegetables, fruits become expensive → inflation rises
→ Women walk long distances for water
→ Agricultural labourers migrate to cities looking for work
→ Industries that depend on water or agriculture are also affected
• Good monsoon: full rivers, groundwater recharge, bumper crops, lower food prices, better rural
incomes.
• Climate also affects hydroelectric power, tourism, small industries.

SECTION B: Exercise Questions (End of Chapter)

6. Q1. Match the climatic factors with their effects:

✏ Answer:
(1) Latitude → (b) Creates different climates in the north and south
(2) Altitude → (c) Keeps higher places cooler
(3) Proximity to the ocean → (d) Moderates the temperature
(4) Monsoon winds → (a) Brings wet air to India during summer

7. Q2a. What is the difference between weather and climate?

✏ Answer:
• WEATHER = The short-term state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place.
It changes from hour to hour and day to day. (e.g., 'It is raining and windy today.')
• CLIMATE = The long-term pattern of weather in a region, observed over decades (30+ years).
It changes very slowly. (e.g., 'Mumbai has a hot, humid, rainy climate with heavy monsoon.')
• Key: Weather is what you get; climate is what you expect!

8. Q2b. Why do places near the ocean have milder temperatures than places far away?

✏ Answer:
• The sea absorbs heat SLOWLY in summer (so it stays cool, cooling the nearby land).
• The sea loses heat SLOWLY in winter (so it stays warm, warming the nearby land).
• This moderating effect means coastal areas don't get too hot in summer or too cold in winter.
• Inland areas have no such moderation → extreme heat in summer and extreme cold in winter.
• Example: Mumbai (coast) – 32°C summer, 18°C winter. Nagpur (inland) – 44°C summer, 10°C
winter.

9. Q2c. What role do monsoon winds play in affecting India's climate?

✏ Answer:
• Southwest Monsoon (June–Sep): Brings moisture from the Indian Ocean → heavy rain over most of
India.

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 → Fills rivers, recharges groundwater, enables agriculture, cools the land after hot summer.
• Northeast Monsoon (Oct–Dec): Dry winds blowing land → ocean. Part picks up Bay of Bengal
moisture.
→ Brings rainfall to east and south India (Tamil Nadu, AP, Puducherry).
• Monsoons influence: crop calendar, water availability, festivals, economic activity.
• Without monsoon winds, India would be much drier and food production would collapse.

10. Q2d. Why is Chennai warm or hot throughout the year, while Leh is cold?

✏ Answer:
• CHENNAI:
→ Located on the eastern coast at low latitude (13°N), close to the Equator.
→ Low latitude = Sun's rays hit at a steep/perpendicular angle = concentrated heat = hot.
→ Near the sea = humidity, moisture; warm throughout the year.
→ Receives NE Monsoon rains (Oct–Dec).
• LEH (Ladakh):
→ Located at very high altitude (~3500m+) in the Himalayas.
→ High altitude = lower pressure = thinner air = less heat retention = very cold.
→ Also at higher latitude = sun's rays more oblique = less heat.
→ Far from the sea = no moderating effect; very dry.
→ Result: Extremely cold winters (-30°C), cool summers, very little rain.

11. Q3. Identify the climate for cities – Leh, Chennai, Delhi, Panaji, Jaipur:
City Location Type Climate Type Characteristics
Leh (Ladakh) High altitude mountains Alpine / Cold Desert Very cold winters (-30°C), cool
(3500m+) summers, very low rainfall, thin air
Chennai (Tamil Eastern coast, near sea, Tropical (Hot & Humid) Hot throughout the year; receives
Nadu) low latitude NE monsoon rains (Oct–Dec)
Delhi Northern plains, inland, Subtropical Hot summers (42°C+), cold winters
higher latitude (5°C), monsoon in July–Aug
Panaji (Goa) Western coast, near sea Tropical Wet Hot, high humidity; heavy SW
monsoon rain; mild winters
Jaipur Near Thar Desert, inland Arid / Semi-Arid Very hot dry summers, cool winters,
(Rajasthan) very little rain

12. Q4. Describe the monsoon cycle in summer and winter (for map drawing activity):

✏ Answer:
SUMMER – Southwest Monsoon:
• Land heats up → Low pressure over India
• Winds blow from Indian Ocean (SW direction) → India
• Arrows: From Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal TOWARDS India (pointing northeast into land)
• Heavy rain over India June–September

WINTER – Northeast Monsoon:

• Land cools → High pressure over India
• Winds blow FROM India → Indian Ocean (NE direction)
• Arrows: From northern India, pointing TOWARDS Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean
• Mostly dry winds; some moisture collected over Bay of Bengal brings rain to east/south coast

13. Q6. Diary entry of a farmer preparing for the rainy season:

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 📓📓 Farmer's Diary Entry – June 1st
Today is the 1st of June. The sky has been turning grey for the past few days, and the hot, dry winds
have finally begun to soften. The elders in our village say the monsoon will arrive within the week –
the frogs have started croaking at night, and the Golden Shower trees have already bloomed.
My family and I have been busy all week. We repaired the boundary walls of our fields to prevent soil
from washing away. I checked the irrigation channels and cleared the blocks. We cleaned and stored
our tools: the plough, the hoe, and the sickle.
I went to the market to purchase paddy seeds for kharif sowing. I also bought fertiliser and discussed
with my neighbour Ramu which crop rotations might work best this year.
The rains mean everything to us. If the monsoon is good, our crops will thrive, the well will refill, and
we will have enough to eat and sell. If it fails, we struggle. I pray: may the rains be timely, may the
Earth be lush.

14. Q7. Essay: Causes, Impacts and Prevention of Floods in India:

Floods in India – Causes, Impacts and Solutions
CAUSES:
Natural: Heavy monsoon rainfall, rivers overflowing their banks, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in
the Himalayas.
Human: Deforestation (less absorption), poor urban drainage, encroachment on riverbeds, concrete
surfaces that don't absorb water.
IMPACTS:
• Human: Loss of life, diseases spread (contaminated water), displacement of families.
• Agricultural: Crops destroyed, soil eroded, livestock lost.
• Economic: Roads/bridges damaged, industries halted, relief operations costly.
PREVENTION MEASURES:
Individual: Avoid building near floodplains, plant trees, not dump waste in drainage channels.
Community: Maintain local drainage, create community flood shelters, early warning systems.
Government: Strengthen embankments, improve urban drainage, deploy NDRF, use IMD warnings,
AWS monitoring of glacial lakes.

SECTION C: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1. _____________ is the long-term pattern of weather in a region. (Answer: Climate)

2. The word 'monsoon' comes from the Arabic word _____________ meaning 'season'. (Answer:
mausim)
3. Places near the Equator (low latitudes) are _____________ than places near the poles. (Answer:
warmer / hotter)
4. As altitude increases, temperature _____________. (Answer: decreases)
5. The _____________ acts as a natural barrier for the southwest monsoon. (Answer: Western
Ghats)
6. Southwest monsoon starts at the southern tip of India in early _____________ and covers all of
India by mid-_____________. (Answer: June; July)
7. The cloudless centre of a cyclone is called the _____________ of the cyclone. (Answer: eye)
8. _____________ in Meghalaya receives the highest average annual rainfall in the world (~11,000
mm). (Answer: Mawsynram)
9. A _____________ is a climate localised in a small area, different from the surrounding region.
(Answer: microclimate)
10. _____________ fuels are formed from remains of ancient plants and animals. (Answer: Fossil)
11. The natural _____________ effect warms the Earth by trapping heat from the sun. (Answer:
greenhouse)

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 12. The sudden collapse of rock or soil down a slope is called a _____________. (Answer: landslide)
13. _____________ is the sudden breaking of a glacial lake barrier causing devastating floods.
(Answer: Glacial burst)
14. The _____________ Response Force (NDRF) is specially trained for disaster rescue. (Answer:
National Disaster)
15. India traditionally has _____________ seasons or ṛitus. (Answer: six / 6)

SECTION D: Match the Following

Column A Column B (Answer)

Latitude Angle of sun's rays; low latitude = hot, high = cold
Altitude Higher = cooler; less pressure, less dense air
Proximity to sea Moderates temperature; coastal areas less extreme
Topography Mountains block winds; shape rainfall patterns
SW Monsoon June–Sep; ocean → land; heavy rain over India
NE Monsoon Oct–Dec; land → ocean; rain to east & south India
Mawsynram World's highest average annual rainfall (~11,000 mm)
Eye of cyclone Cloudless, calm centre of a storm
Fossil fuels Coal, petroleum, natural gas → cause global warming when burned
Microclimate Localised climate different from surrounding area
Mitigation Steps to slow global warming and reduce climate change
NDRF National Disaster Response Force; 12 locations in India
Glacial burst Sudden break of glacial lake barrier = devastating flood

SECTION E: True or False

1. Climate changes from hour to hour like weather does. → FALSE – Climate is long-term
(decades). Weather changes hourly/daily.
2. India has only four seasons like most of the world. → FALSE – India traditionally has 6 seasons
(ṛitus), including monsoon.
3. Higher altitude means warmer temperatures. → FALSE – Higher altitude means COOLER
temperatures.
4. Coastal cities have more extreme temperatures than inland cities. → FALSE – Coastal cities
have MILDER (less extreme) temperatures. Inland cities have more extreme ranges.
5. The southwest monsoon winds blow from land to ocean. → FALSE – SW monsoon winds blow
from OCEAN → LAND (bringing moisture and rain).
6. Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall in the world. → TRUE
7. The eye of a cyclone is the most destructive part. → FALSE – The eye is the CALM, cloudless
centre. The surrounding wall is the most destructive.
8. Fossil fuels are formed from recently dead plants and animals. → FALSE – Fossil fuels formed
from organisms that died MILLIONS of years ago.
9. Planting trees helps reduce climate change. → TRUE – Trees absorb CO₂, reducing the
greenhouse effect.
10. NDRF has 12 battalion locations across India. → TRUE

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 SECTION F: Short Answer Questions

15. What is the Greenhouse Effect? Why is it both good and bad?

✏ Answer:
• NATURAL GREENHOUSE EFFECT (GOOD): CO₂ and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
trap some of the sun's heat.
This keeps Earth warm enough to support life (~15°C average). Without it, Earth would be frozen.
• ENHANCED GREENHOUSE EFFECT (BAD): Human activities release EXTRA greenhouse gases
(burning fossil fuels, deforestation, etc.)
This traps extra heat → Earth gets too warm too quickly = GLOBAL WARMING.
• Result: Disruption of climate patterns; more extreme weather; melting glaciers; rising sea levels;
loss of biodiversity.

16. Why do floods occur more frequently in states like Bihar, UP, Assam, and Kerala?

✏ Answer:
• These states are located near major rivers (Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari) that receive heavy
monsoon rainfall.
• Bihar and UP: Low-lying Gangetic plains; rivers overflow easily during heavy monsoon.
• Assam: Brahmaputra valley + heavy Northeast rainfall + hills that shed water into plains.
• Kerala: Western Ghats + heavy SW Monsoon + hilly terrain = rapid runoff into rivers and
backwaters.
• Human causes: deforestation on hillsides, encroachment on floodplains, poor urban drainage
systems.

17. How does climate change affect disasters in India? Give two examples.

✏ Answer:
• Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
• Example 1 – Glacial Burst: Rising temperatures accelerate glacial melting → glacial lakes fill faster
→ more frequent GLOF (glacial lake outburst floods) in the Himalayas.
(e.g., 2013 Uttarakhand disaster = ~6,000 deaths near Kedarnath)
• Example 2 – Cyclones: Warmer sea surface temperatures provide more energy to cyclones →
stronger, more frequent cyclones on India's coasts.
• Also: Irregular monsoon, longer droughts, shorter winters, more extreme heat waves.

18. List any 4 monsoon-linked festivals and explain their connection to the season.

✏ Answer:
1. BIHU (Assam, April) – Celebrates Assamese New Year and the spring harvest season; marks the
beginning of the agricultural year.
2. BAISAKHI (Punjab/Haryana, April 13) – Celebrates the harvest of wheat; marks thanksgiving after
the rabi (winter) harvest.
3. ONAM (Kerala, Aug–Sep) – Harvest festival at the end of the SW monsoon; celebrates a bountiful
rice harvest.
4. PONGAL (Tamil Nadu, Jan 14–17) – 4-day harvest festival; thanks the Sun God for a successful
harvest after NE monsoon rains.

📖📖 GLOSSARY – KEY TERMS

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon

 Term Meaning
Weather Short-term state of atmosphere at a specific time and place
Climate Long-term pattern of weather in a region over decades (30+ years)
Season A period of recurring weather lasting a few months each year
Ṛitu Traditional Indian term for season; there are 6 ṛitus in Indian calendar
Latitude Distance from the Equator; low latitude = hot, high latitude = cold
Altitude Height above sea level; higher altitude = cooler temperature
Topography Total physical surface features of an area: mountains, hills, valleys, coasts
Monsoon From Arabic 'mausim' (season); seasonal winds causing heavy rainfall
SW Monsoon Southwest monsoon; Jun–Sep; ocean winds → India; brings heavy rain
NE Monsoon Northeast monsoon; Oct–Dec; land → ocean winds; rain for east coast
Alpine Climate Cold, snowy winters, cool summers; found in Himalayan mountains
Temperate Climate Moderately cold winters, not too hot summers; found in hill stations
Subtropical Very hot summers, cold winters; found in northern plains
Arid Climate Very dry, hot days, cool nights, very little rain; found in deserts
Tropical Wet Heavy monsoon rain; hot and humid; found on western coastal strip
Semi-Arid Hot summers, mild winters, moderate rain; Deccan Plateau
Microclimate Climate localised in a small area, different from surroundings
Urban Heat Island City that is warmer than surrounding areas due to buildings/concrete
Cyclone Intense rotating storm; forms over warm sea with low pressure centre
Eye of Cyclone Cloudless, calm centre of a cyclone
Flood Water overflowing into normally dry land
Glacial Burst (GLOF) Sudden break of glacial lake barrier causing devastating floods
Landslide Sudden collapse of rock/soil/debris down a slope
Forest Fire Uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetation; can be natural or human-caused
Climate Change Significant long-term shifts in global/regional climate patterns
Fossil Fuels Coal, petroleum, natural gas; formed from ancient organisms
Greenhouse Effect CO₂ trapping sun's heat; natural = good; enhanced by humans = bad
Global Warming Rapid rise in Earth's temperature due to extra greenhouse gases
NDRF National Disaster Response Force; 12 locations; rescue & evacuation
Mitigation Steps to slow global warming and reduce climate change causes
Resilience Capacity to withstand or recover from difficulties
Sustainable Something that can be maintained over a long period of time

🌧🌧 India's climate is as diverse as its people – understand it to live in harmony with

nature! 🌧🌧
kāle varṣhatu parjanyaha pṛiṭhivī sasyaśhālinī – May the rains be timely, may the Earth be lush!

Visit us for more… [Link] Click on icon