Chapter :4 CLIMATE (Questions and Answers)

A. One - Word Questions and Answers

1. What is the duration of the monsoon season in India?

Answer: June-September

2. Which wind system influences India’s climate the most?

Answer: Monsoon

3. What is the name of the wind blowing from the Thar Desert to the northern plains during
summer?

Answer: Loo

4. What are the western disturbances?

Answer: Cyclones

5. What is the direction of the monsoon winds during summer?

Answer: Southwest

6. Which region in India receives the highest rainfall?

Answer: Mawsynram

7. What is the term for the temperature decrease with altitude?

Answer: Lapse

8. What type of climate does India experience?

Answer: Monsoonal

9. Which ocean current affects the Indian monsoon?

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 Answer: El Niño
10. What is the local name for winter rain in northwestern India?

Answer: Mahawat

11. What is the main characteristic of the retreating monsoon season?

Answer: Cyclones

12. Which season is associated with the highest temperatures in India?

Answer: Summer

13. Which mountain range blocks the cold winds from Central Asia?

Answer: Himalayas

B. Very Short Questions and Answers

1. Define climate.
Ans. The average weather conditions of a place over a long period.

2. What is weather?
Ans. The day-to-day atmospheric conditions of a place.

3. What is the duration of the summer season in India?

Ans. March to May.

4. Name the coldest place in India.

Ans. Drass, Ladakh.

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5. What are monsoon winds?
Ans. Seasonal winds that reverse direction based on seasons.
6. What is the ITCZ?
Ans. The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, a low-pressure zone near the equator.

7. Which region in India experiences the highest annual rainfall?

Ans. Mawsynram in Meghalaya.

8. What is meant by the retreating monsoon?

Ans. The withdrawal of monsoon winds during October-November.

9. Name the major seasons in India.

Ans. Summer, Winter, Monsoon, and Retreating Monsoon.

10. What is the direction of summer monsoon winds in India?

Ans. Southwest to Northeast.

11. What are western disturbances?

Ans. Weather phenomena originating in the Mediterranean, causing winter rainfall in
northwestern India.

12. What is the Loo?

Ans. Hot, dry winds blowing in northern India during summer.

13. Which factor protects India from cold Central Asian winds?
Ans. The Himalayas.

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14. What is El Niño?
Ans. A warm ocean current that affects global climate patterns, including the Indian monsoon.
15. What is the main characteristic of the monsoon in India?
Ans. Uneven distribution of rainfall.

C. Short Questions and Answers

1. What are the factors influencing the climate of India?
Ans. The factors influencing the climate of the of India are :
• Latitude: Tropic of Cancer divides India into tropical and subtropical zones.
• Altitude: Higher altitudes have cooler climates (e.g., Himalayas).
• Pressure and Winds: Monsoon winds, jet streams, and western disturbances influence
climate.
• Distance from the Sea: Coastal areas have moderate climates, while interior regions
have extreme climates.

2. What are the major seasons in India?

Ans. The major seasons in India are :
• Winter (December to February)
• Summer (March to May)
• Rainy/Monsoon (June to September)
• Retreating Monsoon (October to November)

3. What are the main characteristics of the monsoon?

Ans. The main characteristics of monsoon are :
• Reversal of wind direction with seasons.
• Uneven distribution of rainfall.
• Pulsating nature due to breaks in rainfall.
• Delayed or early onset affects agriculture.
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 4. What is the significance of the Himalayas in determining the climate of India?
Ans. The significance of the Himalayas in determining the is climate of India are as follows :
• The Block cold Central Asian winds from entering India.
• Cause orographic rainfall in northern plains.
• Protect northern India from extreme cold temperatures.

5. Why does Tamil Nadu receive rainfall during the retreating monsoon?
Ans. Tamil Nadu receives rainfall during the retreating monsoon season because :
• Retreating monsoon winds pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
• This causes rainfall on the eastern coast, including Tamil Nadu.

6. What is the difference between the southwest and northeast monsoon?

Ans. The difference between the southwest and northeast monsoon are :
• Southwest Monsoon: Blows from June to September, brings heavy rainfall.
• Northeast Monsoon: Blows from October to November, brings rainfall to Tamil Nadu.

7. What is the role of jet streams in Indian monsoon?

Ans. The role of jet streams in Indian monsoon are :
• Subtropical westerly jet streams affect winter weather.
• Easterly jet streams are associated with the onset of the monsoon.

8. What are western disturbances? How do they affect Indian climate?

Ans. Western disturbances are cyclonic storms originating from the Mediterranean.
They bring winter rain and snow to northwestern India, aiding in the growth of Rabi
crops.

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 9. How does El Niño affect the Indian monsoon?
Ans. El Nino affects the trade winds in the following ways :
• El Niño weakens the trade winds.
• It causes a delay or decrease in the amount of rainfall, leading to drought-like conditions.
10. What are the differences between weather and climate?
Ans. The difference between Indigenous weather and climate are :
• Weather: Short-term atmospheric conditions of a place.
• Climate: Long-term average weather patterns of a region.

11. Why does India have a monsoon type of climate?

Ans. India has a monsoon type of climate because :
• India is influenced by seasonal winds that reverse direction, known as monsoons.
• Its geographical position near the equator and surrounded by oceans contributes to the
monsoonal climate.

D. Long Answers Questions

1. Explain the factors influencing the climate of India.
Ans. Factors influencing in the he climate of India are :
1. Latitude:
• India is divided into tropical and subtropical zones by the Tropic of Cancer.
• Areas closer to the equator experience higher temperatures.

2. Altitude:
• Regions at higher altitudes (e.g., the Himalayas) are cooler.
• Plains and coastal areas are warmer.

3. Pressure and Winds:

• India’s climate is influenced by monsoon winds, jet streams, and western disturbances.
• Low-pressure areas attract moist winds, causing rainfall.

4. Distance from the Sea:

• Coastal areas like Mumbai have moderate climates.
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 • Interior regions like Delhi experience extreme temperatures.

5. Relief Features:
• The Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia.
• Western Ghats cause orographic rainfall on the windward side.

2. What are the major characteristics of the Indian monsoon?

Ans. The major characteristics of Indian monsoons are :
1. Seasonal Reversal of Winds: Southwest monsoon in summer and northeast monsoon in
winter.
2. Uneven Rainfall: Areas like Mawsynram receive heavy rainfall, while Rajasthan
remains dry.
3. Onset and Withdrawal: Monsoon begins in Kerala (early June) and withdraws from
Rajasthan (October).
4. Breaks in Monsoon: Rainfall is not continuous due to breaks caused by weak pressure
systems.
5. Vital for Agriculture: The Indian economy depends on monsoon rainfall for crops like
rice and wheat.

3. What are the effects of monsoon on India’s climate and economy?

Ans. The effects of monsoon on Indians climate and economy are :
1. Positive Effects:
• Provides water for agriculture, supporting food production.
• Refills rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
• Encourages hydroelectric power generation.

2. Negative Effects:
• Uneven distribution causes droughts in some regions and floods in others.
• Delayed or deficient monsoon can harm crop yields.

3. Impact on Economy:
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 • Agriculture, which employs a large portion of India’s population, depends on monsoon
rainfall.
• Fluctuations in monsoon affect GDP and food security.

4. Describe the seasonal pattern of climate in India.

Ans. The seasonal pattern of climate in India include the following :
1. Winter (December to February):
• Low temperatures in northern India, mild in southern regions.
• Western disturbances bring light rain in northwest India.

2. Summer (March to May):

• High temperatures in northern plains.
• “Loo” (hot winds) blow in north India.

3. Southwest Monsoon (June to September):

• Heavy rainfall in most parts of the country due to southwest winds.
• Agriculture depends on this rainfall.

4. Retreating Monsoon (October to November):

• Winds reverse direction and withdraw from northern India.
• Tamil Nadu and coastal regions receive rainfall from northeast monsoon winds.

5. Explain the role of the Himalayas in determining the climate of India.

Ans. Himalayas play a vital role in determining the climate of India in the following ways :
1. Barrier to Cold Winds: Prevents cold winds from Central Asia from entering India,
keeping northern plains warm.
2. Orographic Rainfall: Causes heavy rainfall in the windward areas of the Himalayas.
3. Protection from Desertification: Blocks hot winds from Rajasthan from spreading
further north.

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 4. Impact on Rivers: Himalayan glaciers feed perennial rivers like the Ganga,
Brahmaputra, and Indus, sustaining agriculture.
5. Effect on Monsoons: Acts as a barrier, trapping monsoon winds and causing rainfall in
northern India.

6. How does El Niño affect the Indian monsoon?

Ans. El Nino affects the Indian monsoon in the following ways :
1. Definition of El Niño: A warm ocean current that appears in the Pacific Ocean,
disturbing global climate patterns.
2. Impact on Indian Monsoon: Weakens the southwest monsoon, causing drought-like
conditions. Leads to irregular rainfall distribution, harming crops.

3. Examples of Impact: Major droughts in India have often coincided with El Niño years
(e.g., 1982, 1997).
4. Importance: Monitoring El Niño helps predict monsoon behaviour and plan for
agricultural activities.

E. MCQ Questions and Answers

1. What type of climate does India experience?

a) Mediterranean
b) Monsoonal
c) Desert
d) Tundra

Answer: b) Monsoonal

2. Which latitude passes through the middle of India?

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a) Tropic of Cancer
b) Tropic of Capricorn
c) Arctic Circle
d) Equator

Answer: a) Tropic of Cancer

3. Which wind system is responsible for bringing rainfall to most parts of India?

a) Western Disturbances
b) Northeast Monsoon
c) Southwest Monsoon
d) Jet Streams

Answer: c) Southwest Monsoon

4. In which month does the southwest monsoon usually withdraw from India?

a) September
b) October
c) November
d) December

Answer: b) October

5. Which place in India receives the highest annual rainfall?

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a) Cherrapunji
b) Mawsynram
c) Shillong
d) Kochi

Answer: b) Mawsynram

6. What is the main cause of the monsoon in India?

a) High-altitude winds
b) Differential heating of land and water
c) Rotation of the Earth
d) Ocean currents
Answer: b) Differential heating of land and water

7. Which phenomenon is associated with the weakening of monsoon winds?

a) El Niño
b) La Niña
c) ITCZ Shift
d) Jet Streams

Answer: a) El Niño

8. Which season is characterized by the "Loo" in northern India?

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a) Winter
b) Summer
c) Monsoon
d) Retreating Monsoon

Answer: b) Summer

9. What is the direction of the retreating monsoon winds?

a) Southwest to Northeast
b) Northeast to Southwest
c) East to West
d) West to East

Answer: b) Northeast to Southwest

10. Which region in India experiences winter rainfall due to western disturbances?

a) Eastern Coast
b) Northwestern Plains
c) Western Ghats
d) Deccan Plateau

Answer: b) Northwestern Plains

11. What is the local name for the winter rainfall in northwestern India?
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a) Loo
b) Kalbaisakhi
c) Mahawat
d) Mango Showers

Answer: c) Mahawat

12. What is the average temperature in the Himalayas during winter?

a) Below -10°C
b) 0°C to 10°C
c) 15°C to 20°C
d) Above 25°C

Answer: a) Below -10°C

13. What is the main feature of the retreating monsoon season?

a) Thunderstorms
b) Cyclonic depressions
c) Heavy rainfall
d) Loo winds

Answer: b) Cyclonic depressions

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14. Which winds blow over India during the winter season?

a) Northeast Trade Winds

b) Southwest Monsoon Winds
c) Western Disturbances
d) Cyclonic Winds

Answer: a) Northeast Trade Winds

15. What is the ITCZ?

a) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone

b) Indian Tropical Climate Zone
c) International Trade and Commerce Zone
d) Indian Thermal Climate Zone

Answer: a) Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone

F. Assertion – Reasoning MCQ Questions and Answers :

1. Assertion (A): The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of India, dividing it into
tropical and subtropical zones.
Reason (R): The Tropic of Cancer is located at 23½° North latitude.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

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c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

2. Assertion (A): Western disturbances bring winter rainfall to northwestern India.

Reason (R): Western disturbances are cyclonic depressions originating in the Mediterranean
region.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

3. Assertion (A): The monsoon winds blow from land to sea during the winter season.
Reason (R): Land cools faster than the sea during winter, creating high-pressure areas over
land.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

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4. Assertion (A): Mawsynram receives the highest annual rainfall in the world.
Reason (R): Mawsynram is located on the windward side of the Khasi Hills, which causes
orographic rainfall.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

5. Assertion (A): The southwest monsoon brings rainfall to most parts of India.
Reason (R): The southwest monsoon winds blow from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian
Sea towards the Indian mainland.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

6. Assertion (A): Tamil Nadu receives rainfall during the retreating monsoon season.
Reason (R): Retreating monsoon winds pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and bring
rainfall to the eastern coast.
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a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

7. Assertion (A): The Himalayas prevent the cold winds from Central Asia from entering India.
Reason (R): The Himalayas act as a natural barrier due to their high altitude and vast
expanse.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

8. Assertion (A): The "Loo" is a hot, dry wind that blows in northern India during summer.
Reason (R): The Loo originates from the Bay of Bengal and brings moisture to the northern
plains.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.

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d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: c) A is true, but R is false.

9. Assertion (A): Coastal areas in India experience a moderate climate.

Reason (R): Coastal areas are influenced by the moderating effect of the sea.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

10. Assertion (A): Rajasthan receives very little rainfall.

Reason (R): Rajasthan lies on the leeward side of the Aravalli Hills.

a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
c) A is true, but R is false.
d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

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