BAHRIA COLLEGE KARSAZ

Chapter # 05

Climate of Pakistan and Environmental Hazards

Short Question Answer

1- What are the four climatic zones of Pakistan, and what are two key differences
between each zone ?
Answer: Certainly! Here’s four climatic zones of Pakistan based on Highland, Lowland, Arid
(Desert), and Coastal climates, along with key differences between each.
1. Highland Climate:
- Found in northern and western mountainous regions like Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa.
- Key Differences: Cold winters with snowfall and mild summers; significant temperature
variations between day and night due to altitude.
2. Lowland Climate:
- Covers the plains of Punjab and parts of Sindh.
- Key Differences: Hot summers with mild winters; moderate to high rainfall during the
monsoon season, supporting agriculture.
3. Deserts of Arid Climate:
- Found in areas like Thar Desert in Sindh and Cholistan in Punjab.
- Key Differences: Extremely hot temperatures with very little rainfall; dry, barren landscape
with limited vegetation due to lack of water.
4. Coastal Climate:
- Found along the coastal areas, especially around Karachi in Sindh and Gwadar in Balochistan.
- Key Differences: Mild winters and hot, humid summers; receives rainfall during the monsoon
season, with higher humidity than inland areas.

2- Describe the characteristics of the desert and Arid climate of Pakistan.

Answer: Aridity refers to low precipitation and low moister content in the environment. The
deserts areas i.e., Kharan, Cholistan, Thal and Thar experience dry and hot summers and receive
scanty rainfall throughout the year. During the day, hot and dusty winds blow across the plains
from may to September. The diurnal range of temperature in desert areas is high. Dust storms
are a permanent features of desert climate that temporarily lower the temperature. Winters are
cold with minimum temperature of 4°C.

1 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, [Link]. (Pol Sci)
 3- Explain how the climate of potwar plateau makes it a challenging area for the farmers.
Answer: The Pothwar Plateau which is a rainfed area also called Barani land, receives moderate
rainfall, ranging from 500 to 1,000 mm per year. This is enough rainfall to support crop
production, but farmers have to manage the water resources during dry years. The Indus Plain
receives moderate rainfall, ranging from 250 to 500 mm per year. This is enough rainfall to
support crop production, but farmers need to rely on irrigation to supplement the rainfall.

4- How does the coastal climate of Pakistan different from the other climatic zones of
Pakistan?
Amswer: The coastal climate of Pakistan, found mainly along the coastlines of Karachi in Sindh
and Gwadar in Balochistan, differs from other climatic zones in the following ways:

1. Temperature and Humidity:

- Coastal areas experience relatively moderate temperatures year-round due to the influence
of the Arabian Sea, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
- In contrast, other zones like the Highland and Lowland climates have more extreme
temperature variations, with Highland areas experiencing very cold winters and Lowland regions
experiencing intensely hot summers.

2. Rainfall Patterns:
- The coastal climate receives most of its rainfall during the monsoon season, along with
consistently higher humidity levels due to proximity to the sea.
- Arid (Desert) zones receive very little rainfall, remaining dry throughout the year, while
Highland and Lowland zones have varied rainfall, often less influenced by the sea.

5- Why do many rivers floods in Pakistan during summer ?

Answer: Many rivers in Pakistan flood during the summer due to the following reasons:

1. Monsoon Rainfall:
- The summer monsoon season brings heavy rains to Pakistan, especially in the northern and
northeastern regions. This substantial rainfall causes rivers to swell, increasing the risk of
flooding in low-lying areas and riverbanks.

2. Melting of Glaciers:
- During the summer, rising temperatures cause glaciers in the northern mountainous regions
to melt. This melting adds a large volume of water to rivers, especially the Indus and its
tributaries, leading to higher water levels and potential flooding.

2 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, [Link]. (Pol Sci)
 6- How does the yearly distribution of rainfall and temperature vary between Karachi and
Lahore ?
Answer: The yearly rainfall and temperature patterns differ between Karachi and Lahore:
- Rainfall: Karachi, with a coastal climate, receives 150-200 mm mostly during the
monsoon season. Lahore, with a more continental climate, gets around 500-700
mm, both in monsoon and winter.

- Temperature: Karachi has mild, stable temperatures (summers 32-35°C, winters

rarely below 10°C). Lahore, however, experiences extremes, with very hot
summers (up to 40°C) and cold winters (around 5°C).

In short, Karachi has moderate, humid conditions with less rainfall, while Lahore sees greater
seasonal temperature variation and higher rainfall.

7- Explain the development of monsoon winds in Arabian sea.

Answer: The development of monsoon winds over the Arabian Sea occurs due to seasonal
temperature differences between land and sea:

[Link] Monsoon: During summer, the Indian subcontinent heats up significantly,

creating a low-pressure area over the land. Meanwhile, the Arabian Sea, being cooler, has
higher pressure. This pressure difference causes moist winds to blow from the sea toward the
land, bringing heavy rainfall to South Asia, including Pakistan.

[Link] Monsoon: In winter, the land cools down faster than the sea, reversing the
pressure difference. High-pressure air over the land flows toward the relatively warmer Arabian
Sea, resulting in dry winds that reduce rainfall.

Long Question Answer

1- How can the effectiveness of rainfall for agriculture in Pakistan be improved? Discuss
the key challenges and opportunities particularly in Indus plain.
Answer: Improving the effectiveness of rainfall for agriculture in Pakistan, especially in the Indus
Plain, involves addressing key challenges and leveraging opportunities to optimize water use
and enhance agricultural productivity.

3 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, [Link]. (Pol Sci)
Key Challenges
1. Uneven Rainfall Distribution: Pakistan’s rainfall is highly seasonal, with most of it
occurring during the monsoon (July to September). This leads to periods of water
scarcity and waterlogging, making it difficult to ensure a consistent water supply for
crops.

2. Poor Irrigation Infrastructure: While the Indus Plain benefits from the Indus River, which
provides irrigation to vast areas, many irrigation systems are outdated and inefficient.
Water losses from seepage, evaporation, and poorly maintained canals reduce the
effective use of available water resources.

3. Soil Erosion and Salinity: Frequent and intense rainfall in some areas, coupled with poor
land management, can lead to soil erosion, especially on the banks of rivers and canals.
Additionally, waterlogging and salinity in the soil affect large parts of the Indus Plain,
reducing agricultural productivity and limiting effective water absorption.

Opportunities for Improvement

1. Water Harvesting and Storage: Building small dams, ponds, and reservoirs in the Indus
Plain can help store rainwater during the monsoon season. Stored water can then be
used during dry periods, ensuring a more consistent water supply for crops. This would
also help recharge groundwater levels, benefitting areas affected by water scarcity.

2. Efficient Irrigation Techniques: Adopting modern irrigation methods, like drip and
sprinkler systems, can significantly reduce water wastage and improve water use
efficiency in agriculture. These techniques are especially beneficial for crops in areas
where water availability is inconsistent due to seasonal rainfall.

3. Soil Management Practices: Implementing soil conservation practices, such as contour

farming, terracing, and cover cropping, can reduce soil erosion and improve water
retention in the soil. Managing soil salinity through drainage systems and regular soil
testing can help restore affected land and make it more productive.

Conclusion
By addressing the challenges of uneven rainfall distribution, outdated infrastructure, and soil
degradation, and by seizing opportunities like water harvesting, efficient irrigation, and crop
improvements, Pakistan can improve the effectiveness of rainfall for agriculture. These

4 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, [Link]. (Pol Sci)
measures would contribute to more resilient agricultural practices in the Indus Plain, helping to
ensure food security and sustainable water management.

2- To what extend do storms and droughts cause problems for the people of Pakistan?
Also suggest some preventive measures and management strategies to reduce the
problems.

Answer: Storms and droughts in Pakistan cause significant issues, particularly affecting
agriculture, infrastructure, health, and livelihoods.

- Impact of Storms: Monsoon storms often lead to urban and rural flooding,
resulting in property damage, loss of life, and health issues due to waterborne
diseases. Poor drainage in cities like Karachi worsens flooding, impacting
infrastructure and straining resources.

- Impact of Droughts: Droughts, especially in regions like Balochistan and

Tharparkar, lead to water scarcity, crop failures, and livestock losses. This results
in poverty, food insecurity, and migration, increasing pressure on urban areas.

Preventive Measures and Strategies

1. Infrastructure: Improve drainage systems, build embankments and
reservoirs, and construct rainwater harvesting structures to mitigate
flooding and water scarcity.

2. Efficient Water Use: Promote drip irrigation, groundwater

management, and conservation to sustain water supplies during dry
spells.

3. Early Warning and Emergency Planning: Establish reliable early warning

systems and train disaster response teams to minimize damage from
storms.

4. Community and Policy Support: Educate communities on water

conservation, encourage drought-resistant crops, and implement
government policies for disaster aid and resilient infrastructure.

5 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, [Link]. (Pol Sci)
 3- Explain the source of rainfall in Pakistan and how they vary seasonally. Give Examples.

Answer: Rainfall in Pakistan primarily comes from three sources: the monsoon winds, western
disturbances, and local convectional rainfall. These sources contribute to seasonal variations in
rainfall across the country.

1. Monsoon Winds (Summer Rainfall)

- Source: The monsoon winds, which originate from the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal,
bring moisture-laden air to Pakistan, particularly during the summer months (June to
September).
- Seasonal Variation: This is the main source of rainfall in Pakistan, contributing to the
summer monsoon. The monsoon rains are heavy and occur mostly between July and
September.
- Examples: The Indus Plain (Punjab and Sindh) receives significant rainfall during the
monsoon season, especially in areas like Lahore and Karachi. These rains are crucial for
agriculture but also cause flooding in low-lying regions.

2. Western Disturbances (Winter Rainfall)

- Source: Western disturbances are low-pressure systems originating from the Mediterranean
Sea. These systems move eastward, bringing moisture to Pakistan, especially during the winter
months (December to February).
- Seasonal Variation: Western disturbances result in rainfall and snow in the northwestern
and northern regions, particularly the Himalayas, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.
- Examples: Areas like Quetta and the Karakoram range experience significant snowfall, while
the Pothohar Plateau and Rawalpindi receive moderate winter rains.

3. Local Convectional Rainfall (Spring and Summer Showers)

- Source: This type of rainfall occurs due to intense heating of the land, which causes the air to
rise and cool, leading to the formation of clouds and rainfall.
- Seasonal Variation: It mainly happens in the hot summer months (April to June), particularly
in central and southern Pakistan, where the temperature difference between the land and air is
greatest.

- Examples: Areas like Sindh and parts of Punjab receive occasional summer thunderstorms or
showers due to convectional rainfall, though the rainfall is often short-lived and localized.
Seasonal Variations:

6 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, [Link]. (Pol Sci)
- Winter (December to February): Western disturbances dominate, providing rainfall and snow
in the northern regions.
- Summer (June to September): The monsoon winds bring heavy, widespread rainfall across
much of Pakistan, especially in the eastern and southern regions.
- Spring and Autumn (March to May and October-November): Local convectional rainfall
occurs, but the amount is relatively small compared to the monsoon.

In summary, rainfall in Pakistan varies seasonally, with monsoon rains in summer, western
disturbances in winter, and localized convectional rains during the transition seasons. This
variation influences agriculture, water supply, and climate across the country.

4- Explain how temperature variation effect the lifestyle of people in different regions of
Pakistan.

Answer: Temperature variation in Pakistan significantly influences the lifestyle of people in

different regions:

1. Northern Regions (e.g., Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat): These areas experience cold

winters and mild summers. People use wood stoves for heating, build homes
with thicker walls for insulation, and engage in horticulture and summer
agriculture. Tourism also thrives, especially for winter sports.

2. Indus Plain (e.g., Lahore, Karachi): The region faces hot summers and mild
winters. In summer, people stay indoors to avoid the heat, relying on air
conditioning. Agriculture focuses on cotton, rice, and sugarcane, while heat
poses health risks like heatstroke.

3. Southern Regions (e.g., Balochistan, Thar Desert): These areas endure extreme
heat in summer and cold winters. People live in cool mud houses and practice
water conservation. Livestock rearing and drought-resistant crops are common.
Migration for better conditions is also observed.

4. Coastal Areas (e.g., Karachi, Gwadar): These regions experience mild winters
and humid, hot summers. High humidity increases discomfort, requiring cooling
systems. Fishing is the primary livelihood, and health issues like respiratory
problems can arise due to the humidity.

7 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, [Link]. (Pol Sci)
Overall, temperature influences housing, agriculture, health, and economic activities, with each
region adapting its lifestyle accordingly.

5- Write short notes on the following topics

a – Pressure and winds
b – Advantages and disadvantages of floods in Pakistan.

Answer:
a. Pressure and Winds
Pressure refers to the weight of the atmosphere exerted on the Earth’s surface. Winds are the
movement of air from regions of high pressure to low pressure. The difference in pressure is
caused by temperature variations, with warm air rising and cooler air sinking, creating air
circulation. In Pakistan, seasonal wind patterns like the monsoon winds (summer) and western
disturbances (winter) influence the climate. Pressure systems such as high-pressure zones
bring dry, stable weather, while low-pressure zones bring cloudy, rainy conditions.

b. Advantages and Disadvantages of Floods in Pakistan

Advantages:

- Soil Fertility: Floodwaters deposit nutrient-rich silt, which can improve soil fertility, benefiting
agriculture, especially in the Indus Plain.
- Water Supply: Floods replenish groundwater levels and help recharge aquifers, providing water
for irrigation and drinking.
- Economic Growth: Floodwaters in some regions can enhance crop production, leading to
increased agricultural output.

Disadvantages:

- Property and Infrastructure Damage: Floods often destroy homes, roads, and other
infrastructure, leading to huge economic losses.
- Loss of Life and Livelihood: Floods cause loss of life, displacement of families, and disrupt local
economies, particularly in rural areas.
- Health Issues: Floods can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases, such as cholera and
malaria, due to contaminated water.

8 By: Muhammad Nawaz Hashmi

M.A, [Link]. (Pol Sci)