REVISION 1 -Climate of India and Soil Resources

1. Study the climatic data and answer the given questions

Month J F M A M J J A S O N D

Temperature (°C) 20 22 26 30 33 32 30 29 28 26 23 21

Rainfall (cm) 1 2 3 4 8 25 35 30 20 10 4 2

a) Calculate the annual range of temperature.

b) Calculate the mean annual temperature.
c) Calculate the total annual rainfall.
d) Find the rainfall received during the south-west monsoon season (June to September).
e) Identify the wettest month and the driest month.
f) Determine whether the station has a maritime or continental climate. Give a reason.

2.

Month Jan Apr Jul Oct

Temperature (°C) 18 30 28 24

Rainfall (cm) 2 4 40 12

a) Calculate the annual range of temperature.

b) Identify the hottest month.

c) Identify the wettest month.

d) Calculate the total rainfall received during these four months.

3.

Month Jan Apr Jul Oct

Temperature (°C) 27 31 29 28

Rainfall (cm) 3 4 25 35

a) Calculate the temperature range.

b) Is it a coastal or interior station?

c) Which monsoon winds are responsible for the heavy rainfall in October?
 [Link] J F M A M J J A S O N D

Temperature (°C) 27 27 29 30 31 30 29 29 29 29 28 27

Rainfall (cm) 2 2 3 4 5 10 15 18 20 35 40 25

a) Calculate the annual range of temperature.

b) Find the total annual rainfall.

c) Is the station coastal or interior?

d) Which monsoon winds bring heavy rainfall in October and November

CLIMATE OF INDIA

GIVE REASONS FOR THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS:

1. India experiences a tropical monsoon climate.

2. The coastal regions of India have an equable climate.
3. The interior parts of India experience extreme temperatures.
4. Mumbai receives heavier rainfall than Delhi.
5. Chennai receives most of its rainfall during the winter season.
6. The western coast of India receives heavy rainfall.
7. The Thar Desert receives scanty rainfall.
8. The south-west monsoon winds are called “bursting monsoons”.
9. The Coromandel Coast receives rainfall during October and November.
10. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji receive very heavy rainfall.
11. The northern plains experience hot winds called loo during summer.
12. Temperature decreases with increasing altitude.
13. The Himalayas are important for the climate of India.
14. Rajasthan experiences very high day temperatures and low night temperatures.
15. Rainfall decreases from east to west in the Northern Plains.
16. Tamil Nadu remains comparatively dry during the south-west monsoon season.
17. The Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon causes heavier rainfall than the Bay of Bengal branch in western
India.
18. The western slopes of the Western Ghats receive more rainfall than the eastern slopes.
19. The south-west monsoon retreats from north-west India by September.
20. The north-east monsoon winds are generally dry.

Soil resources in India Black soil is ideal for the cultivation of cotton.

1. Black soil develops deep cracks during the dry season.

2. Alluvial soil is highly suitable for agriculture.
3. Khadar soil is more fertile than Bhangar soil.
4. Red soil appears red in colour.
5. Laterite soil is unsuitable for intensive cultivation without the use of fertilizers.
6. Laterite soil is found in regions of heavy rainfall.
7. Desert soil requires irrigation for cultivation.
8. Mountain soils are rich in humus.
 9. Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem in India.
10. Deforestation accelerates soil erosion.
11. Overgrazing leads to soil erosion.
12. Contour ploughing helps in soil conservation.
13. Terrace farming is practised on hill slopes.
14. Shelter belts are effective in reducing wind erosion.
15. Afforestation helps to conserve soil.
16. Strip cropping reduces soil erosion.
17. Gully erosion is common in areas with sparse vegetation.
18. Sheet erosion removes the fertile topsoil.
19. Check dams help in conserving soil and water.
20. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers affects soil fertility.
21. Black soil retains moisture for a long time.
22. Mountain soils support the cultivation of tea and fruits.
23. Soil is considered a valuable natural resource.
24. Soil conservation is essential for sustainable agriculture.

1. Delhi records an annual temperature range of 19°C, while Mumbai records a range of 7°C.

a) Which city has a continental climate?

b) Which city has an equable climate?

c) State the factor responsible for the difference.

2. A weather bulletin predicts heavy rainfall over Kerala during June.

a) Name the branch of the monsoon responsible for the rainfall.

b) Explain why Kerala receives rainfall earlier than most parts of India.

c) Mention one state that receives rainfall from the retreating monsoon.

3. A farmer in Rajasthan depends entirely on rainfall for agriculture. Due to weak monsoon winds, crop production
decreases.

a) Identify the climatic condition responsible.

b) Suggest two measures that can reduce dependence on rainfall.

4. Study the table below.

4. Soil Type Major Characteristic

A Very fertile and deposited by rivers

B Retains moisture and is suitable for cotton

C Rich in iron oxide

Answer the following:

a) Identify soils A, B and C.

b) Name one crop grown in each soil.

c) Which of these soils is found extensively in the Northern Plains?

5. A region receives heavy rainfall throughout the year. The soil is rich in iron and aluminium but poor in humus and
nitrogen.

a) Identify the soil type.

b) Name one crop grown in this soil.

c) State one method to improve its fertility.

6. Study the table below.

Soil Type Major Characteristic

A Very fertile and deposited by rivers

B Retains moisture and is suitable for cotton

C Rich in iron oxide

Answer the following:

a) Identify soils A, B and C.

b) Name one crop grown in each soil.

c) Which of these soils is found extensively in the Northern Plains?

7. A farmer in Maharashtra observes that his field remains moist for a long time after rainfall. During summer, wide
cracks appear in the soil.

1. Identify the type of soil.

2. Explain how this soil helps in the cultivation of cotton.

3. Name any two states where this soil is found.

8. Data-Based Question

Study the table given below and answer the questions.

Soil Type Characteristics

A Rich in potash and lime but poor in nitrogen

B Red in colour due to the presence of iron oxide

Soil Type Characteristics

C Rich in iron and aluminium but poor in humus

1. Identify soils A, B and C.

2. Mention one crop grown in each soil.

3. Which soil is best suited for rice cultivation?

9. Situation-Based Question

A hilly region experiences heavy rainfall every year. Farmers have started cultivating crops by cutting steps on hill
slopes.

1. Name the method of soil conservation used.

2. Why is this method suitable for hilly areas?

3. Mention one other method of soil conservation.

10. Application-Based Question

A village in Rajasthan faces severe soil erosion due to strong winds and sparse vegetation.

1. Identify the type of soil erosion occurring.

2. Suggest two measures to control this problem.

3. Explain how these measures help conserve soil.

11. Case Study

A farmer notices that the fertility of his land is decreasing because the fertile top layer of the soil is being washed
away during heavy rains.

1. Identify the type of soil erosion.

2. State two human activities responsible for this problem.

3. Suggest two suitable conservation measures.

12. Interpretation-Based Question

A student visits two farms.

• Farm X has fertile soil deposited by rivers.

 • Farm Y has soil formed from volcanic rocks and is ideal for cotton cultivation.

1. Identify the soils found in Farms X and Y.

2. Name one crop other than cotton that can be grown in Farm Y.

3. Which farm is likely to be located in the Northern Plains?

13. Problem-Solving Question

A farmer wants to cultivate tea . He owns land in an area with heavy rainfall and high temperatures.

1. Which type of soil is most suitable for this crop?

2. Name one region in India where this soil is found.

3. Why does this soil require the addition of fertilizers?

14. Analytical Question

The table below shows the annual rainfall received by three regions.

Region Annual Rainfall (cm)

P 45

Q 120

R 250

1. Which region is most likely to have laterite soil?

2. Give a reason for your answer.

3. Name one crop commonly grown in this soil.

15. Assertion-Based Competency Question

A farmer plants rows of trees around his field in western Rajasthan.

1. Name this method of soil conservation.

2. How does it prevent soil erosion?

3. Identify the type of erosion common in this region.

16. A village on hill slopes experiences severe soil erosion during heavy rains.

a) Which type of soil erosion is likely to occur?

b) Suggest two methods to conserve soil.

c) Explain how these methods help.

17. The India Meteorological Department reported that Kerala received heavy rainfall in early June, while north-
western India remained dry.

1. Name the monsoon season responsible for the rainfall in Kerala.

2. Why does Kerala receive rainfall earlier than north-western India?

3. Name the two branches of the South-West Monsoon.

18. The city of Chennai receives more rainfall in November than in July.

1. Name the monsoon season that brings rainfall to Chennai.

2. Explain why these winds, though generally dry, cause rainfall in Chennai.

3. Name the water body from which these winds pick up moisture.

[Link] October, the weather over north-western India is hot and humid during the day, with clear skies at night.

1. Name this period of transition.

2. Why is this period referred to so ?

3. Mention one coastal region that receives rainfall during this season.

20. During winter, Punjab and Haryana receive moderate rainfall, benefiting the wheat crop.

1. Name the weather phenomenon responsible for this rainfall.

2. From which region do these disturbances originate?

3. Explain how this rainfall benefits agriculture.

21. A year of weak monsoon leads to drought conditions in several parts of India.

1. Name any two factors that influence the onset and intensity of the monsoon.

2. Explain how the Himalayas influence the monsoon.

3. State one impact of monsoon failure on agriculture.

22. Study the table given below:

City Rainfall in July (cm) Rainfall in November (cm)

Mumbai 62 2

Chennai 12 35

1. Which city receives rainfall from the retreating monsoon?

2. Explain the difference in rainfall patterns.

3. Which branch of the monsoon affects Mumbai?

23. A meteorologist predicts delayed monsoon rains due to changes in atmospheric pressure and wind patterns over
the Indian Ocean.
1. Name two factors affecting the monsoon mentioned in the passage.

2. How do pressure conditions over the region from Thar desert to Chota Nagpur Plateau influence the
monsoon?

3. Mention one consequence of delayed monsoon rains.