Synonyms
More meanings
Tip: select a single word for meaning & synonyms.
Select multiple words normally to copy text.
Climate: NBSE Class 9 Social Science Chapter 6 answers
Solutions, questions, answers, and notes of chapter 6: Climate which is a part of social science class 9 syllabus of students studying under the Nagaland Board of School Education. However, these notes should be used only for references and additions/modifications should be made as per the requirements.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Introduction
Climate is the typical weather conditions of an area over a long period of more than thirty to thirty-five years. The climate of a place influences its flora (plants) and fauna (animals). It accounts for environmental diversity. It patterns the livelihood of the people.
Climate is the long-term effect of the Sun’s radiation on the rotating Earth’s surface and atmosphere. It can be understood most easily in terms of annual or seasonal averages of temperature and precipitation. Because of the unusual topography and geographical position of India, climatic conditions are widely diversified, both on a regional as well as a seasonal basis. This diversity is in the range of extremes – from tropical to temperate zones. The temperature extremes are confined largely to the slopes of the Himalayas. Except in the more mountainous regions, the rest of India has a uniformly tropical climate. Seasonal variations, resulting from the southwestern and northeastern monsoons profoundly influence temperature, humidity and precipitation throughout the subcontinent.
The climate of a country is mainly based on the range of its temperature, rainfall, atmospheric pressure and direction of winds.
Textual questions and answers
Choose the correct answer
1. The direction of the monsoon wind in summer is:
(a) South-west (b) North-west (c) North-east (d) South-east
Answer: A. South-west
2. What primarily causes a decrease in air temperature from the equator towards the poles?
(a) Altitude (b) Ocean currents (c) Latitude (d) Distance from the sea
Answer: C. Latitude
3. The period of transition from hot and rainy to dry and cold season occurs in:
(a) August-September (b) September-October (c) October-November (d) November-December
Answer: C. October-November
4. The monsoons begin to withdraw from the Northern Plains in the month of:
(a) August (b) September (c) October (d) November
Answer: C. October
5. Identify the correct option that describes the season given below:
I. This season is marked by dry weather and excessive heat
II. The Sun shines vertically over the Tropic of cancer
III. Thunderstorms accompanied by dusty winds are common
Options: (a) Cold weather season (b) Hot weather season (c) Advancing Monsoon (d) Retreating Monsoon
Answer: B. Hot weather season
Very Short Answer Type Questions.
1. Define climate.
Answer: Climate is the typical weather conditions of an area over a long period of more than thirty to thirty-five years. The climate of a place influences its flora (plants) and fauna (animals).
2. List the elements that affect the climate of India.
Answer: The important elements that affect the climate of India are temperature and precipitation.
3. List the factors that determine the climate of a place.
Answer: The factors that determine the climate of a place are:
(i) Relief and Location
(ii) Altitude
(iii) Distance from the Sea
(iv) Pressure and Winds
(v) Upper-Air Circulation
4. List the four main seasons of India.
Answer: The four main seasons of India are:
(i) Hot Weather Season
(ii) Cold Weather Season
(iii) Advancing Monsoon Season
(iv) Retreating Monsoon Season
5. List the two branches of advancing monsoon.
Answer: The two branches of advancing monsoon are:
(i) The Arabian Sea Branch
(ii) The Bay of Bengal Branch.
Short answer type questions
1. How do the Himalayas affect the climate of India?
Answer: The great Himalayan range separates the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia, thus preventing the bitterly cold winds from Central Asia from entering the country.
2. Give two characteristics of the winter season.
Answer: Two characteristics of the winter season are:
i. Northeast monsoon takes over from the southwest monsoon.
ii. Temperature goes on decreasing towards the north of Tropic of Cancer.
4. How have monsoons been a ‘unifying bond’ in India?
Answer: The Himalayas are protective barriers that stop the cold winds from entering the subcontinent. This allows even the areas of northern India which lie on the same latitude to experience uniform high temperatures.
Long answer type questions
1. Write about the characteristic features of hot weather season and cold weather season in India.
Answer: The characteristic features of the hot weather season are:
i. This season is marked by dry weather and excessive heat.
ii. The sun shines vertically over the Tropic of cancer.
iii. The whole of tropical India, south of the Himalayas, experiences very high temperatures.
The characteristic features of the cold weather season are:
i. Northeast monsoon takes over from the southwest monsoon.
ii. Light winter rainfall in northwest India is very useful for the rabi crop, especially wheat.
iii. Temperature goes on decreasing towards the north of Tropic of Cancer.
2. How do south-westerly winds bring rains in India?
Answer: In late summer, the low-pressure condition over the Northern Plains intensifies. This attracts the trade winds of the Southern Hemisphere. The South-East Trade winds originate over warm sub-tropical areas of the southern oceans, cross the equator and blow in a south-westerly direction to India. They are moisture-laden and bring rainfall to India as South-West monsoon.
3. Discuss features of the ‘Retreating Monsoons’.
Answer: The monsoon trough of low pressure grows weaker by October-November. It is then slowly replaced by high pressure. The monsoon’s outreach is rendered unsustainable and the gradual withdrawal begins. This is known as the ‘retreat of monsoon. By the time October begins the monsoons withdraw from the Northern Plains.
The period of transition from hot and rainy to dry and cold season occurs in the months of October-November. Clear skies and rising temperatures are prominent marks of the retreating monsoon. During the daytime, the temperature remains high but nights are pleasant and cool
4. Discuss the monsoon season in India.
Answer: The monsoon as a unifying bond is an obvious fact. The seasonal alternation of the wind systems and the associated weather conditions provides a rhythmic cycle of the season. The uncertainties of rain and the uneven distribution are prominent characteristics of the monsoons. It is evident from the fact that sometimes parts of the country may be facing the fury of floods due to heavy rains, while other parts may be reeling under severe drought conditions due to scanty rainfall. The most important aspect of Indian rainfall is that it is largely controlled by orography.
5. Explain how upper air circulation operates as a factor influencing the climate of India.
Answer: The higher level of the atmosphere experiences an altogether different pattern of air circulation. These fast-blowing winds are called jet streams. The westerly jet stream gets divided into two streams after it meets a barrier in the Tibetan Highlands. The southern branch blows in an eastward direction in the Himalayas. It has a great influence on the winter in India. During summer, the westerly jet stream moves northwards. Later on, an easterly jet stream takes its place to flow over northern India. Tropical depressions are brought into India by an easterly jet stream and low-pressure area over land. These depressions aid in the distribution of monsoon rainfall over the whole of India.
6. Why is the western part of Rajasthan arid in spite of the Aravalli Hills? [HOTS]
Answer: The western part of Rajasthan is arid in spite of the Aravali Hills because of the following reasons.
(i) The Aravallis system is unable to prevent the south-western summer monsoon winds, and hence, western Rajasthan remains practically dry, while the southern parts do get some rainfall.
(ii) This western part lies at a great distance from the Bay of Bengal, and therefore, the Bay of Bengal monsoon becomes dry and loses most of its moisture by the time it reaches Rajasthan.
(iii) This area is also far away from the Himalayan region, and therefore, it does not come under the influence of monsoons.
7. Why does Shillong has more rainfall than Kolkata? [HOTS]
Answer: Shillong is stationed at a higher altitude compared to Kolkata, and thus, due to the presence of the hills, the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon gets obstructed. This results in a heavy shower in Shillong. Kolkata, which is situated to the west of Shillong, receives less rainfall because the rainfall decreases from east to west in North India.
Extra MCQs
1: The word ‘monsoon’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘Mausim’, which means:
A. Wind
B. Rain
C. Season
D. Climate
Answer: C. Season
2: Which geographical feature acts as a climatic divide, preventing cold winds from Central Asia from entering the Indian subcontinent?
A. The Western Ghats
B. The Himalayas
C. The Deccan Plateau
D. The Aravalli Range
Answer: B. The Himalayas
3: The strong, hot, and dry local winds that blow during the day in the summer over northern India are known as:
A. Loo
B. Jet Streams
C. Cyclones
D. Western Disturbances
Answer: A. Loo
4: The winter rainfall in the northwestern plains of India is primarily caused by:
A. Northeast monsoons
B. Tropical cyclones
C. Retreating monsoons
D. Western Disturbances
Answer: D. Western Disturbances
5: The climate of a place is defined as the typical weather conditions of an area over a long period, which is generally considered to be more than:
A. Five to ten years
B. Ten to fifteen years
C. Twenty to twenty-five years
D. Thirty to thirty-five years
Answer: D. Thirty to thirty-five years
6: Which of the following places is known to receive the highest average annual rainfall in the world?
A. Cherrapunji
B. Mawsynram
C. Kolkata
D. Shillong
Answer: B. Mawsynram
7: The oppressive weather condition characterized by high temperature and humidity during the transition from the rainy to the winter season is commonly known as:
A. October Heat
B. Mango Showers
C. Monsoon Burst
D. Nor’westers
Answer: A. October Heat
8: The Indian Peninsula divides the advancing southwest monsoon into how many main branches?
A. Two
B. Three
C. Four
D. Five
Answer: A. Two
9: Fast-blowing winds that move in a narrow zone in the upper atmosphere and have a great influence on India’s climate are called:
A. Trade winds
B. Loo
C. Jet streams
D. Surface winds
Answer: C. Jet streams
10: Which latitudinal line divides India into a northern temperate zone and a southern tropical zone?
A. Equator
B. Tropic of Capricorn
C. Arctic Circle
D. Tropic of Cancer
Answer: D. Tropic of Cancer
11: The northeast monsoon brings the most significant amount of rainfall to which coastal region?
A. Konkan Coast
B. Malabar Coast
C. Coromandel Coast
D. Northern Circars
Answer: C. Coromandel Coast
12: The term for the side or direction that is sheltered from the wind is:
A. Windward side
B. Leeward side
C. Orographic side
D. Continental side
Answer: B. Leeward side
13: During the winter season, which place in India is often recorded as the coldest, with temperatures dropping to as low as -45°C?
A. Shimla
B. Srinagar
C. Dras
D. Leh
Answer: C. Dras
14: The rainfall associated with the Western Ghats, where winds are forced to rise over the mountains, is an example of:
A. Convectional rainfall
B. Cyclonic rainfall
C. Orographic rainfall
D. Frontal rainfall
Answer: C. Orographic rainfall
15: Statement 1: Hill stations like Mussoorie and Darjeeling are cooler than the plains even during summer.
Statement 2: As one moves to higher altitudes, the atmosphere becomes less dense and the temperature decreases.
A. Statement 1 is the cause of Statement 2.
B. Statement 2 is the cause of Statement 1.
C. Both statements are independent of each other.
D. Statement 1 is a contradiction of Statement 2.
Answer: B. Statement 2 is the cause of Statement 1.
16: (I) The Himalayas prevent cold winds from Central Asia from reaching the subcontinent.
(II) India experiences a comparatively warmer climate during winter than other areas on the same latitude.
A. I is a contradiction of II.
B. I is independent of II.
C. II is the result of I.
D. II is an example of I.
Answer: C. II is the result of I.
17: Statement 1: Coastal areas like Mumbai and Chennai experience an equable climate with less difference between summer and winter temperatures.
Statement 2: The sea exerts a moderating influence on the climate of nearby land areas.
A. Both statements are false.
B. Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false.
C. Statement 2 is the explanation for Statement 1.
D. Statement 1 and Statement 2 are unrelated.
Answer: C. Statement 2 is the explanation for Statement 1.
18: (I) The western part of Rajasthan is arid and receives very little rainfall from the southwest monsoon.
(II) The Aravalli hills lie parallel to the direction of the rain-bearing Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon.
A. I is the cause for II.
B. I is independent of II.
C. I is a contradiction of II.
D. II is a major reason for I.
Answer: D. II is a major reason for I.
19: Statement 1: The Coromandel coast receives substantial rainfall during the months of October and November.
Statement 2: Cyclonic depressions originating over the Andaman Sea cross the eastern coast during the retreating monsoon season.
A. Statement 1 is false, and Statement 2 is true.
B. Both statements are true, and Statement 2 is the cause of Statement 1.
C. Both statements are true but are not related.
D. Both statements are false.
Answer: B. Both statements are true, and Statement 2 is the cause of Statement 1.
20: (I) The monsoon is often described as a unifying bond for the people of India.
(II) The agricultural calendar, festivals, and folk songs across the country are deeply connected to the annual cycle of seasons.
A. I is a contradiction of II.
B. I is independent of II.
C. II is an example that supports I.
D. I is the cause for II.
Answer: C. II is an example that supports I.
21: Statement 1: During the cold weather season, a high-pressure area develops over North India.
Statement 2: This causes offshore winds to blow from land to sea, resulting in a dry season for most of the country.
A. Statement 1 is the result of Statement 2.
B. Both statements are unrelated.
C. Statement 1 is the cause of Statement 2.
D. Both statements are false.
Answer: C. Statement 1 is the cause of Statement 2.
22: Arrange the four main seasons of India in their correct order as they occur in a calendar year.
(i) Advancing Monsoon Season
(ii) Cold Weather Season
(iii) Retreating Monsoon Season
(iv) Hot Weather Season
A. (ii) → (iv) → (i) → (iii)
B. (iv) → (i) → (iii) → (ii)
C. (i) → (iii) → (ii) → (iv)
D. (ii) → (i) → (iv) → (iii)
Answer: A. (ii) → (iv) → (i) → (iii)
23: Select the option that lists the progression of the southwest monsoon in the correct sequence.
(i) The monsoon “breaks” with thunder and lightning, typically over the southern tip of the peninsula.
(ii) An intense low-pressure area develops over the northwestern plains.
(iii) The monsoon covers almost the entire country.
(iv) Moisture-laden southeast trade winds are attracted towards the mainland and cross the equator.
A. (ii) → (iv) → (i) → (iii)
B. (i) → (ii) → (iv) → (iii)
C. (iv) → (i) → (iii) → (ii)
D. (ii) → (i) → (iv) → (iii)
Answer: A. (ii) → (iv) → (i) → (iii)
24: Arrange the following events associated with the retreating monsoon in the correct order.
(i) The monsoon trough over the northern plains grows weaker.
(ii) The monsoons withdraw completely from the northern plains.
(iii) The low-pressure conditions shift over to the Bay of Bengal.
(iv) Cyclonic depressions cause rainfall on the eastern coasts.
A. (i) → (iii) → (ii) → (iv)
B. (iv) → (ii) → (i) → (iii)
C. (i) → (ii) → (iii) → (iv)
D. (ii) → (i) → (iv) → (iii)
Answer: C. (i) → (ii) → (iii) → (iv)
25: Choose the option that correctly sequences the movement of the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon.
(i) The branch is deflected westwards along the Himalayas.
(ii) The winds advance northeast-ward after picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
(iii) Rainfall is received first in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
(iv) Rainfall decreases as the branch proceeds up the Ganga valley.
A. (iii) → (ii) → (i) → (iv)
B. (ii) → (iii) → (iv) → (i)
C. (i) → (ii) → (iii) → (iv)
D. (iii) → (i) → (ii) → (iv)
Answer: A. (iii) → (ii) → (i) → (iv)
Extra questions and answers
1. How does climate pattern the livelihood of people?
Answer: Climate patterns the livelihood of the people by influencing their lifestyle, which includes their clothing, housing, and food habits. It also influences the occupation followed by a large percentage of the population, such as agriculture. Furthermore, the climate has an impact on the culture of India, as the essence of folk lifestyle, dances, music, festivals, paintings, and literature indicate the monsoon’s influence.
2. What are the two main factors influencing India’s climate?
Answer: The climate of India is basically influenced by two factors:
(a) Tropic of Cancer (23½°N) dividing the country into two halves – North Temperate zone and South Tropical zone.
(b) Great Himalayan Range separating the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia, thus preventing the bitter cold winds from Central Asia from entering the country.
3. What single factor unifies the climate of India?
Answer: The one factor which unifies the climate of India is the fact of monsoons, with alternation of seasons and reversal of winds.
4. What type of climate can describe India?
Answer: The climate of India can be described as Tropical Monsoon type.
5. What is the origin of the word ‘Monsoon’?
Answer: Monsoon is a word derived from the Arabic word ‘Mausim’.
6. What does the Arabic word ‘Mausim’ mean?
Answer: The Arabic word ‘Mausim’ means ‘season’.
7. From which direction does the southwest monsoon blow?
Answer: The southwest monsoon blows from the southwest, generally from April to October.
8. When does the northeast monsoon generally occur?
Answer: The northeast monsoon generally occurs from October to April.
9. What are the two key elements that affect India’s climate?
Answer: Two of the important elements that affect the climate of India are temperature and precipitation.
10. What is the summer temperature in some areas of Rajasthan?
Answer: During summer, the temperature may rise to reach 50°C or more in some areas of Rajasthan.
11. What is the winter temperature in the Drass sector?
Answer: During winter, the temperature in the Drass sector in Jammu and Kashmir may be as low as -45°C.
12. Which part of India experiences snowfall?
Answer: The Himalayan region mostly experiences snowfall.
13. What is the annual precipitation in Meghalaya?
Answer: The annual precipitation is 400 cm in Meghalaya.
14. Which winds bring rain to Tamil Nadu?
Answer: The rains in Tamil Nadu are brought in by the northeast monsoons.
15. What are the factors that determine the climate of a place?
Answer: The factors that determine the climate of a place are:
(i) Relief and Location
(ii) Altitude
(iii) Distance from the Sea
(iv) Pressure and Winds
(v) Upper Air Circulation
16. What type of climate do the Northern Plains experience?
Answer: As the Northern Plains are located away from the influence of the sea, they experience a continental type of climate.
17. How does temperature change with an increase in altitude?
Answer: As one goes up to higher altitudes away from the surface of the earth, the atmosphere becomes less dense and the temperature decreases.
18. What is an equable or maritime climate?
Answer: An equable or maritime climate is a climate with less difference between summer and winter temperatures, found in places located near the sea.
19. What are jet streams?
Answer: Jet streams are fast-blowing winds that have a steady velocity and move in a narrow zone of the upper atmosphere. They are strong winds that blow high above the earth and have an effect on the weather.
20. What are the four main seasons experienced in India?
Answer: India experiences four main seasons:
(i) Hot Weather Season
(ii) Cold Weather Season
(iii) Advancing Monsoon Season
(iv) Retreating Monsoon Season
21. What causes the hot weather season in India?
Answer: The sun’s northward movement, which means direct rays of the sun on the Tropic of Cancer, causes the global heat belt to shift northwards. This causes the hot weather season in India from March to May.
22. What is the ‘breaking of the monsoon’?
Answer: Violent thunder and lightning that mark the sudden approach of moisture-rich winds bring on what is popularly known as the breaking of the monsoon.
23. Name the two branches of the Indian monsoon.
Answer: The Indian monsoon is divided into two branches:
(i) The Arabian Sea Branch
(ii) The Bay of Bengal Branch
24. What is ‘October Heat’?
Answer: In the period of the retreating monsoon, during the daytime, the temperature remains high, and the land remains moist. High temperature and humidity cause the daytime weather to become rather oppressive, which is known as ‘October Heat’.
25. Define Atmospheric pressure.
Answer: Atmospheric pressure is the pressure acted upon by the weight of the atmosphere on the earth’s surface.
26. Define Cyclone.
Answer: A cyclone is a violent tropical storm in which strong winds move in a circle.
27. Define Depression.
Answer: A depression is a weather condition in which the pressure of the air becomes low, often causing rain.
28. What is the Leeward side?
Answer: The Leeward side is the side or direction that is sheltered from the wind.
29. Define Precipitation.
Answer: Precipitation is rain, snow, etc., that falls on the earth’s surface.
30. What is the Windward side?
Answer: The Windward side is the side or direction from which the wind is blowing.
31. What are ‘loo’ winds?
Answer: The loo are strong, hot, and dry winds that blow during the day in summer. They are a unique feature of the hot weather season in India.
32. How does climate differ from weather?
Answer: Climate is the typical weather conditions of an area over a long period of more than thirty to thirty-five years, representing the regular pattern of weather conditions of a particular place. Weather, on the other hand, is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, such as the temperature, wind, rain, and sun.
33. Explain the role of the Himalayas as a climatic divide.
Answer: The Himalayas are towering mountainous walls in the north that serve as an effective climatic divide and as protective barriers. They prevent the cold and chilly northern winds from Central Asia from reaching the subcontinent and stop them from entering. Due to these mountains, India experiences a comparatively warmer climate during winter.
34. How does the Tropic of Cancer influence India’s climate zones?
Answer: The Tropic of Cancer (23½°N) divides India into two almost equal parts or halves. Northern India lies in the Subtropical Zone or North Temperate zone, and the southern part lies in the Tropical Zone or South Tropical zone.
35. Describe the general characteristics of the southwest monsoon.
Answer: The southwest or summer monsoon occurs when warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean flows onto the land, usually accompanied by heavy rains. These are pulsating winds that tend to blow at an average speed of 30 km per hour. Violent thunder and lightning mark the sudden approach of these moisture-rich winds, which is known as the breaking of the monsoon. The south-west monsoon that flows into India brings about a major change in its weather.
36. Describe the general characteristics of the northeast monsoon.
Answer: The northeast monsoon occurs in India when cold, dry winter air flows out of the interior of Asia from the northeast, bringing the cool, dry winter season. These winds blow from land to sea, causing most of India to experience a dry season. However, the coasts of Tamil Nadu receive most of their rains from these winds as they reach there from sea to land.
37. Explain the variation in temperature across India during summer.
Answer: During summer, the temperature may rise to 50°C or more in some areas of Rajasthan, while it may be 20°C in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. Temperatures of around 42°C in April in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh and 48°C around May in northwestern regions are common. In peninsular India, the Deccan Plateau experiences a temperature up to 38°C due to the moderating effect of the ocean.
38. Explain the variation in temperature across India during winter.
Answer: During winter, the temperature decreases from south to north. The mean temperature is between 24°C and 25°C in Chennai, while in the northern plains it is between 10°C and 15°C. In the Drass sector in Jammu and Kashmir, the temperature may be as low as -45°C, while at the same time, Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala experiences a temperature of 20°C. In the northern parts of the country, the night temperature often falls below freezing point in hilly areas.
39. How does precipitation vary in form and amount across India?
Answer: Variations in precipitation are found both in form and amount. The Himalayan region mostly experiences snowfall while the rest of the country receives rain. The annual precipitation varies from over 400 cm in Meghalaya to less than 10 cm in Western Rajasthan or Ladakh. Most of India receives rainfall from June-September, but coastal Tamil Nadu receives most of its rains in early autumn or winter from the northeast monsoons, while northern India experiences rainfall caused by western disturbances.
40. Why do coastal regions have minimum temperature contrasts?
Answer: Coastal regions have minimum contrasts in temperature because the sea exerts a moderating influence on the climate. This results in an equable or maritime climate with less difference between summer and winter temperatures.
41. How does the monsoon act as a unifying factor for India?
Answer: The monsoon acts as a unifying factor for India because it provides a rhythmic cycle of seasons through the seasonal alternation of wind systems. It influences the occupation of a large percentage of the Indian population, agriculture, which is vital to the country. The monsoon also has a profound impact on the culture of India, as the essence of folk lifestyle, dances, music, festivals, paintings, and literature indicate its influence.
42. How does distance from the sea affect a place’s climate? Give examples.
Answer: The sea exerts a moderating influence on the climate of a place. As the distance from the sea increases, its moderating influence decreases. Places located near the sea, like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, have an equable climate with less difference between summer and winter temperatures. Places away from the sea, like Delhi, are said to have a continental location and experience an extreme type of climate with very hot summers and very cold winters.
43. Why are hill stations like Mussoorie cooler during summer?
Answer: As one goes up to higher altitudes away from the surface of the earth, the atmosphere becomes less dense and the temperature decreases. As a result, hill stations like Mussoorie and Darjeeling are cooler even during summer.
44. What are Northeast Trade Winds? How do they affect India?
Answer: Northeast Trade Winds originate from the Northern Hemisphere’s subtropical high-pressure belt and blow from northeast to southwest in India. These winds are usually dry because they lack moisture and are not usually rainy.
45. How do South-East Trade Winds become the South-West monsoon?
Answer: In late summer, low-pressure conditions over the Northern Plains intensify and attract the South-East Trade Winds from the southern oceans. These ocean-originating winds move over the Indian Ocean, cross the Equator, and follow a southwestern direction. As they pass over equatorial warm currents, they carry a lot of moisture and blow into India as the South-West monsoon.
46. What is the role of the westerly jet stream during winter in India?
Answer: The westerly jet stream has a great influence on winter in India. The southern branch of this jet stream blows south of the Himalayas and carries the western disturbances into India from the west and north-west. These disturbances are low-pressure systems that originate over the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia.
47. What is the role of the easterly jet stream during summer?
Answer: During summer, an easterly jet stream takes its place to flow over northern India along 25°N. Tropical depressions are brought into India by this easterly jet stream and the low-pressure region over land. These depressions aid in the distribution of monsoon rainfall over the whole of India.
48. What causes the shift of the global heat belt northwards? What is its effect?
Answer: The sun’s northward movement, which results in direct rays of the sun on the Tropic of Cancer, causes the global heat belt to shift northwards. This shift causes the hot weather season in India from March to May, and its effect can be seen clearly from the temperature recordings during these months at different stations.
49. What are the Western Disturbances? How are they important for rabi crops?
Answer: The Western Disturbances are low-pressure systems that originate over the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia. They are a prominent characteristic feature of the cold weather season over the North Indian Plains. These systems cause vital winter rain over the plains and snowfall in the Himalayas. This meagre rainfall is important for the rabi crops, especially wheat.
50. Why does the Deccan Plateau receive very little rainfall?
Answer: The Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon gives very heavy rainfall along the windward side of the Western Ghats. The Deccan Plateau, lying in the rainshadow area of the Western Ghats, receives very little rainfall because the rainfall is orographic.
51. Why does the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon not bring rain to Rajasthan?
Answer: The Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon does not bring rain to Rajasthan for two reasons. First, the Aravallis’ alignment is parallel to the rain-bearing south-west monsoons, so they do not offer any obstruction. Second, the moisture-laden winds passing over Rajasthan do not saturate because the heat in the desert region increases their capacity to hold moisture.
52. How does the Bay of Bengal branch cause rain in the Ganga valley?
Answer: The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon is deflected towards the west along the Himalayas. As it proceeds through the Ganga valley, it causes rainfall, which goes on decreasing as it moves westwards.
53. What causes the heavy rainfall in Mawsynram?
Answer: Mawsynram stands at the end of a funnel-shaped valley which acts as a trap for the rain-bearing Bay of Bengal branch and forces the winds to shed moisture. The excessive rainfall is also due to its situation on an amphitheatre relief and on the windward side of the monsoon.
54. What is the ‘retreat of monsoon’? When does it begin?
Answer: The ‘retreat of monsoon’ is the gradual withdrawal of the monsoon. It happens when the monsoon trough of low pressure grows weaker by October-November and is slowly replaced by high pressure, making the monsoon’s outreach unsustainable. By the time October begins, the monsoons withdraw from the Northern Plains.
55. What causes cyclonic depressions over the Andaman Sea? What is their impact?
Answer: The shift of northwestern India’s low-pressure conditions to the Bay of Bengal area by early November causes cyclonic depressions that originate over the Andaman Sea. Their impact is that they cross the eastern coasts of India and spread heavy rains. These destructive tropical cyclones strike the thickly populated delta areas of the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri, and may also arrive in Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh coasts, causing loss of lives and properties on a large scale.
56. How do the Himalayas and the sea provide moderating influences on India’s climate?
Answer: The Himalayas provide a moderating influence by acting as a climatic divide, preventing cold northern winds from Central Asia from entering the subcontinent, which results in a comparatively warmer climate during winter.
The sea exerts a moderating influence on the climate of the peninsular plateau from three sides. This results in an equable or maritime climate in coastal areas with less difference between summer and winter temperatures.
57. Explain the major factors that determine the climate of any place.
Answer: The factors that determine the climate of a place are:
(i) Relief and Location
(ii) Altitude
(iii) Distance from the Sea
(iv) Pressure and Winds
(v) Upper Air Circulation
58. How do relief and location influence the climate of India?
Answer: India has a triangular shape in its peninsular plateau region. This has caused the surrounding oceans and seas to have a moderating effect on the larger area of this region. As the Northern Plains are located away from the influence of the sea, they experience a continental type of climate. The Tropic of Cancer divides India into two almost equal parts. Northern India lies in the Subtropical Zone and the southern part lies in the Tropical Zone.
The Himalayas are towering mountainous walls in the north that serve as an effective climatic divide. They prevent the cold and chilly northern winds from Central Asia from reaching the subcontinent. Due to these mountains, India experiences a comparatively warmer climate during winter. Also, the temperature difference is highly minimised between subtropical and tropical India.
59. Explain the role of pressure, winds, and upper air circulation in shaping India’s weather.
Answer: India experiences weather changes due to the distribution of air pressure and surface winds. The Northeast Trade Winds, originating from the Northern Hemisphere’s subtropical high-pressure belt, blow from northeast to southwest in India. These winds lack moisture and are not usually rainy. In late summer, the low-pressure conditions over the Northern Plains attract the South-East Trade Winds from the southern oceans. These winds, blowing in a south-westerly direction, bring moisture to India as the South-West monsoon.
Upper air circulation patterns play a role in shaping India’s weather. Fast blowing winds called jet streams move in a narrow zone of the upper atmosphere. The westerly jet stream gets divided into two streams by the Tibetan Highlands. The southern branch blows south of the Himalayas and has a great influence on winter in India, carrying in the western disturbances. During summer, an easterly jet stream flows over northern India, bringing tropical depressions that aid in the distribution of monsoon rainfall over the whole of India.
Additionally, factors like western disturbances in winter and tropical cyclones during the southwest monsoon contribute to the complexity of India’s weather patterns.
60. Describe the development of the low-pressure area during the hot weather season. How does it lead to the onset of the monsoon?
Answer: In north India, rising temperature and falling air pressure occur in the summer months. An extended low-pressure area develops in North India by the end of May. This low-pressure area extends from the Thar Desert in the northwest to Patna and the Chhotanagpur Plateau in the east. Around this trough, the circulation of air begins to set in.
The surrounding areas are cooler and develop high-pressure conditions. At this time, the south-east trade winds, which blow from south-east to south-west in southern India, are attracted towards the mainland of India. They blow from south-west to north-east. Here, the hot season ends and the south-west monsoon sets in during the month of June.
61. What are the main features of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon? How does its rainfall pattern change as it moves inland?
Answer: The main features of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon are as below:
(a) It gives very heavy rainfall along the windward side of Western Ghats as they are unable to cross it.
(b) The rainfall is orographic. The Deccan Plateau lying in the rainshadow area receives very little rainfall.
(c) The amount of rainfall goes on decreasing northwards.
(d) The Aravallis alignment is parallel to rain-bearing south-west monsoons as such they do not offer any obstruction. These are low hills also.
(e) The moisture-laden winds passing over Rajasthan do not saturate as the heat in the desert region increases their capacity to hold moisture.
(f) The Arabian Sea branch gets exhausted by the time it reaches Punjab.
As the Arabian Sea branch moves inland, the Deccan Plateau, which lies in the rainshadow area of the Western Ghats, receives very little rainfall. The amount of rainfall also decreases as the branch moves northwards. By the time it reaches Punjab, the branch is exhausted.
62. What are the main features of the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon? Trace its path and describe its rainfall distribution.
Answer: The main features of the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon are as below:
(a) Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sri Lanka are the first to receive rainfall.
(b) Winds advance northeast-ward after picking moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
(c) The main target of this branch is the low-pressure area in North Myanmar.
(d) Mawsynram near Cherrapunji stands at the end of a funnel-shaped valley which acts as a trap for rain-bearing Bay of Bengal branch and forces them to shed moisture.
(e) The branch is deflected towards the west along the Himalayas and the rainfall goes on decreasing as it proceeds through the Ganga valley.
(f) The Bay of Bengal branch finally merges with the Arabian Sea branch and gives rainfall to West Bengal, the Indo-Gangetic plain, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.
The path of this branch starts with winds advancing northeast-ward from the Bay of Bengal. The branch is then deflected towards the west along the Himalayas, and as it proceeds through the Ganga valley, the rainfall decreases. It eventually merges with the Arabian Sea branch, providing rainfall to several northern states.
63. Explain the phenomenon known as ‘October Heat’. What climatic shift follows this period in early November?
Answer: During the retreating monsoon in October-November, clear skies and rising temperature are prominent marks. During the daytime, the temperature remains high but nights are pleasant and cool. The land remains moist. High temperature and humidity cause the daytime weather to become rather oppressive, which is known as ‘October Heat’. This phenomenon of early October is replaced by late October when the temperature falls drastically, especially in northern India.
Following this period, the northwestern India’s low-pressure conditions move to the Bay of Bengal area by early November. This shift is caused by cyclonic depressions that occur with their origins over the Andaman Sea. Those depressions that are able to cross the eastern coasts of India spread heavy rains.
64. Describe the climatic conditions and characteristics of the Cold Weather Season in India.
Answer: By mid-November, the cold weather season sets in north India and prevails till February. The coldest months are December and January. The temperature at this time decreases from south to north. The mean temperature is between 24°C and 25°C in Chennai, but in the northern plains, it is between 10°C and 15°C. The northern parts of the country have a mean temperature below 21°C, and much lower in Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana. Here, the night temperature falls below freezing point in hilly areas. Dras valley in Kashmir near Kargil is the coldest place in India, with a minimum temperature recorded as -45°C. Many places in the northernmost parts of the Himalayas experience heavy snowfall, which results in a cold wave enveloping the surrounding areas of Punjab, Haryana and the Northern plains. The areas south of the Tropic of Cancer remain warm and do not have a distinctly defined winter weather.
The characteristic features of the Cold Weather Season are:
- Northeast monsoon takes over from the southwest monsoon.
- Light winter rainfall in northwest India is very useful for the rabi crop, especially wheat.
- Temperature goes on decreasing towards the north of the Tropic of Cancer.
- The season is of great economic importance for wheat in northwest India and rice in Tamil Nadu.
- The season is marked by fine cool weather, low humidity and large variation in the range of temperature.
65. Describe the climatic conditions and characteristics of the Hot Weather Season in India.
Answer: The hot weather season in India occurs from March to May due to the sun’s northward movement. The Deccan Plateau experiences a temperature as high as 38°C in March. The temperature is around 42°C in April in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, and a temperature of 48°C is common around May in northwestern regions of India. In peninsular India, the moderation effect of the ocean is very obvious, with the Deccan Plateau experiencing a temperature up to 38°C. In north India, rising temperature and falling air pressure occur in the summer months. An extended low-pressure area develops in North India by the end of May, extending from the Thar Desert to the Patna and Chhotanagpur Plateau.
The characteristic features of the Hot Weather Season are:
- This season is marked by dry weather and excessive heat.
- The sun shines vertically over the Tropic of Cancer.
- The whole of tropical India, south of the Himalayas, experiences very high temperatures.
- Coastal regions experience equable climate with a low range of temperature.
- Interior parts experience a very high range of temperature.
- Thunderstorms accompanied by dusty winds are common.
66. How does the monsoon act as a unifying bond for the Indian subcontinent despite regional climatic diversities?
Answer: The monsoon acts as a unifying factor for India. It influences the occupation of a large percentage of the Indian population, which is agriculture. The summer monsoon is vital to India’s agriculture, and its timing and amount can mean the difference between a successful harvest and widespread crop failure. The monsoon also has a profound impact on the culture of India, with the essence of folk lifestyle, dances, music, festivals, paintings, and literature indicating its influence.
Even with moderating influences from the sea and the Himalayas, there are great differences in temperature conditions. Even then, the monsoon as a unifying bond is an obvious fact. The seasonal alternation of the wind systems and the associated weather conditions provide a rhythmic cycle of season. For centuries, Indians from north to south and from east to west have gazed up eagerly at the skies to spot the monsoon clouds.
67. Explain the process of the ‘Retreating Monsoon’. What weather phenomena are associated with this season?
Answer: The process of the ‘Retreating Monsoon’ begins when the monsoon trough of low pressure grows weaker by October-November. It is then slowly replaced by high pressure. The monsoon’s outreach is rendered unsustainable, and the gradual withdrawal begins. By the time October begins, the monsoons withdraw from the Northern Plains.
This season is a period of transition from a hot and rainy season to a dry and cold season. The weather phenomena associated with it include clear skies and rising temperatures during the day, with pleasant and cool nights. The land remains moist, and the combination of high temperature and humidity leads to oppressive daytime weather known as ‘October Heat’. By early November, the low-pressure conditions shift to the Bay of Bengal, causing cyclonic depressions over the Andaman Sea. These depressions can cross the eastern coasts, spreading heavy rains and causing destructive tropical cyclones in the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri deltas, as well as on the coasts of Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh. The winter rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is also caused by these retreating monsoons.
68. Discuss the distribution of rainfall in India. Why are some regions like Western Rajasthan dry while Meghalaya is wet?
Answer: The distribution of rainfall in India shows wide variations. The annual precipitation is between 400 cm in Meghalaya to less than 10 cm in Western Rajasthan or Ladakh. The decrease in rainfall is generally observed from east to west in the Northern Plains. Most of India receives rainfall from June to September, but coastal Tamil Nadu receives most of its rains in early autumn or winter from the northeast monsoons.
Meghalaya is wet because Mawsynram, located on the crest of the southern range of the Khasi Hills, receives the highest average annual rainfall in the world. Mawsynram stands at the end of a funnel-shaped valley which acts as a trap for the rain-bearing Bay of Bengal branch and forces it to shed moisture. The excessive rainfall is due to its situation on an amphitheatre relief and on the windward side of the monsoon.
Western Rajasthan is dry for two main reasons related to the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon. First, the Aravalli hills’ alignment is parallel to the rain-bearing south-west monsoons, so they do not offer any obstruction to the winds. Second, the moisture-laden winds passing over Rajasthan do not saturate because the heat in the desert region increases their capacity to hold moisture.
69. Discuss in detail the various factors that influence the climate of India, providing suitable examples for each.
Answer: The climate of India is basically influenced by two factors: the Tropic of Cancer dividing the country and the Great Himalayan Range. However, the factors that determine the climate of a place are Relief and Location, Altitude, Distance from the Sea, Pressure and Winds, and Upper Air Circulation. Most of these factors are inter-related.
(i) Relief and Location: By observing the relief map, we can say that India has a triangular shape in its peninsular plateau region. This has caused the surrounding oceans and seas to have a moderating effect on the larger area of this region. As the Northern Plains are located away from the influence of the sea, it experiences a continental type of climate. The Tropic of Cancer divides India into two almost equal parts. Northern India lies in the Subtropical Zone and the southern part lies in the Tropical Zone. The Himalayas are towering mountainous walls in the north that serve as an effective climatic divide. They prevent the cold and chilly northern winds from Central Asia from reaching the subcontinent, which allows India to experience a comparatively warmer climate during winter.
(ii) Altitude: Altitude plays an important role in influencing the climate of a place. As one goes up to higher altitudes away from the surface of the earth, the atmosphere becomes less dense and temperature decreases. As a result, hill stations like Mussoorie and Darjeeling, including Udagamandalam (Ooty) in the south, are cooler even during summer. In contrast, places at lower altitudes, mainly those along the coast like Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, have a moderate climate.
(iii) Distance from the Sea: The sea exerts a moderating influence on the climate of a place. Places like Mumbai, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Kolkata located near the sea have an equable or maritime climate with less difference between summer and winter temperatures. As the distance from the sea increases, its moderating influence decreases. Places away from the sea, like Delhi, are said to have a continental location and experience extreme weather conditions, i.e., a very hot summer and a very cold winter.
(iv) Pressure and Winds: India experiences weather changes due to the distribution of air pressure and surface winds. Factors influencing Indian weather under this category include:
- Distribution of Atmospheric Pressure and Surface Winds: Northeast Trade Winds, originating from the Northern Hemisphere’s subtropical high-pressure belt, blow from northeast to southwest in India. These winds are usually dry. In late summer, low-pressure conditions over the Northern Plains intensify and attract the South-East Trade Winds from the southern oceans, which bring moisture to India as the South-West monsoon.
- Upper air circulation: Upper air circulation patterns play a role in shaping India’s weather.
- Inflow of Western Disturbances and Tropical Cyclones: During winter, western disturbances, and in the southwest monsoon season, tropical cyclones influence India’s weather.
(v) Upper Air Circulation: The higher level of the atmosphere experiences an altogether different pattern of air circulation. North of the Himalayas, a westerly air current flows. These fast-blowing winds are called jet streams. The westerly jet stream divides into two streams, and the southern branch blows south of the Himalayas, having a great influence on winter in India. The western disturbances are carried in by these air currents. During summer, the westerly jet stream moves northwards, and an easterly jet stream takes its place over northern India, which aids in the distribution of monsoon rainfall.
70. Describe the complete annual cycle of seasons in India, highlighting the key characteristics of each of the four main seasons.
Answer: A distinct seasonality is a prominent character of the monsoon type of climate in India. The weather changes occur from one season to another and are obvious to anyone observing it, especially in the interiors of India. India experiences four main seasons:
(i) Hot Weather Season: This season occurs from March to May due to the sun’s northward movement. The temperature rises, with the Deccan Plateau experiencing up to 38°C, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh around 42°C, and northwestern regions of India commonly seeing 48°C. An extended low-pressure area develops in North India. The characteristic features of this season are:
- This season is marked by dry weather and excessive heat.
- The sun shines vertically over the Tropic of Cancer.
- The whole of tropical India, south of the Himalayas, experiences very high temperatures.
- Coastal regions experience an equable climate with a low range of temperature.
- Interior parts experience a very high range of temperature.
- Thunderstorms accompanied by dusty winds are common.
(ii) Cold Weather Season: By mid-November, the cold weather season sets in north India and prevails till February. The temperature decreases from south to north. The mean temperature is between 24°C and 25°C in Chennai, but in the northern plains, it is between 10°C and 15°C. In hilly areas, the night temperature falls below freezing, with Dras in Kashmir being the coldest place at -45°C. The characteristic features of this season are:
- Northeast monsoon takes over from the southwest monsoon.
- Light winter rainfall in northwest India is very useful for the rabi crop, especially wheat.
- Temperature goes on decreasing towards the north of the Tropic of Cancer.
- The season is of great economic importance for wheat in northwest India and rice in Tamil Nadu.
- The season is marked by fine cool weather, low humidity and large variation in the range of temperature.
(iii) Advancing Monsoon Season: By early June, the low-pressure conditions over the northwestern plains intensify and attract trade winds from the Southern Hemisphere. These moisture-rich winds bring what is known as the breaking of the monsoon. The Indian Peninsula divides the monsoons into two branches: the Arabian Sea Branch and the Bay of Bengal Branch. This season brings widespread rain to most of the country.
(iv) Retreating Monsoon Season: This period of transition from the hot and rainy season to the dry and cold season occurs in October-November. The monsoon trough of low pressure grows weaker and is replaced by high pressure, leading to the withdrawal of monsoons from the Northern Plains. Clear skies and rising temperatures are prominent marks. High temperature and humidity create an oppressive condition known as ‘October Heat’. This season is also marked by cyclonic depressions originating over the Andaman Sea, which cause heavy rainfall on the eastern coasts, particularly the Coromandel coast.
71. Explain the mechanism of the Indian monsoon. Discuss its onset, the role of the two main branches, and its overall impact on the country.
Answer: Monsoon is a word derived from the Arabic ‘Mausim’ which means ‘season’. It is a wind that changes direction with the change of seasons.
The mechanism of the Indian monsoon begins in late summer when the low-pressure conditions over the Northern Plains intensify. This low-pressure area extends from the Thar Desert to the Patna and Chhotanagpur Plateau. This attracts the South-East Trade Winds, which originate from the warm subtropical areas of the southern oceans. These ocean-originating southeast trade winds move over the Indian Ocean, cross the Equator, and follow a southwestern direction. As they pass over the equatorial warm currents, they carry a lot of moisture in them.
The onset of the monsoon is marked by the sudden approach of these moisture-rich winds, accompanied by violent thunder and lightning. This event is popularly known as the breaking of the monsoon. These strong winds blow at an average speed of 30 km per hour and cover the country in about a month’s time.
The Indian Peninsula divides the monsoons into two branches:
(i) The Arabian Sea Branch: This branch gives very heavy rainfall along the windward side of the Western Ghats. The rainfall is orographic, so the Deccan Plateau in the rainshadow area receives very little rainfall. The amount of rainfall decreases northwards. This branch gets exhausted by the time it reaches Punjab.
(ii) The Bay of Bengal Branch: This branch brings rainfall first to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sri Lanka. The winds advance northeast-ward after picking moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Mawsynram near Cherrapunji, at the end of a funnel-shaped valley, acts as a trap for this branch, forcing it to shed moisture and causing heavy rainfall. The branch is then deflected west along the Himalayas, and rainfall decreases as it proceeds through the Ganga valley.
The monsoon has a significant impact on the country. It is a unifying factor as it influences the occupation of a large percentage of the Indian population, which is agriculture. The summer monsoon is vital to India’s agriculture, and its timing and amount can determine the success of a harvest. The monsoon also has an impact on the culture of India, influencing folk lifestyles, dances, music, festivals, paintings, and literature. However, the uncertainties of rain and its uneven distribution are prominent characters of the monsoons, sometimes causing floods and at other times severe droughts.
72. Write a detailed note on the ‘Advancing Monsoon’ or rainy season. Explain its arrival, its division into two branches, and the rainfall patterns associated with each.
Answer: The Advancing Monsoon, or rainy season, begins in early June when the intensity of the low-pressure conditions over the northwestern plains increases. These conditions are strong enough to attract the trade winds of the Southern Hemisphere.
The arrival of the monsoon is marked by these ocean-originating southeast trade winds that move over the Indian Ocean, cross the Equator, and follow a southwestern direction. Carrying a lot of moisture, their sudden approach with violent thunder and lightning is known as the breaking of the monsoon. The south-west monsoon that flows into India brings about a major change in its weather.
The Indian Peninsula divides the monsoons into two branches:
(i) The Arabian Sea Branch: The main features and rainfall patterns of this branch are:
- It gives very heavy rainfall along the windward side of the Western Ghats as they are unable to cross it.
- The rainfall is orographic. The Deccan Plateau lying in the rainshadow area receives very little rainfall.
- The amount of rainfall goes on decreasing northwards.
- The Aravallis’ alignment is parallel to the rain-bearing south-west monsoons, so they do not offer any obstruction.
- The moisture-laden winds passing over Rajasthan do not saturate as the heat in the desert region increases their capacity to hold moisture.
- The Arabian Sea branch gets exhausted by the time it reaches Punjab.
(ii) The Bay of Bengal Branch: The main features and rainfall patterns of this branch are:
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sri Lanka are the first to receive rainfall.
- Winds advance northeast-ward after picking moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
- The main target of this branch is the low-pressure area in North Myanmar.
- Mawsynram near Cherrapunji stands at the end of a funnel-shaped valley which acts as a trap for the rain-bearing Bay of Bengal branch and forces them to shed moisture.
- The branch is deflected towards the west along the Himalayas, and the rainfall goes on decreasing as it proceeds through the Ganga valley.
- This branch finally merges with the Arabian Sea branch and gives rainfall to West Bengal, the Indo-Gangetic plain, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab.
73. Describe the features of the ‘Retreating Monsoon’ season. Explain the transition from rainy to dry season, the ‘October Heat’, and the cyclonic activity on the eastern coast.
Answer: The Retreating Monsoon season occurs in the months of October-November and marks the period of transition from the hot and rainy season to the dry and cold season.
The transition begins as the monsoon trough of low pressure grows weaker by October-November. It is then slowly replaced by high pressure. The monsoon’s outreach is rendered unsustainable, and the gradual withdrawal begins. This is known as the ‘retreat of monsoon’. By the time October begins, the monsoons withdraw from the Northern Plains.
During this season, clear skies and rising temperature are prominent marks. The daytime temperature remains high, but nights are pleasant and cool. The land remains moist. The combination of high temperature and humidity causes the daytime weather to become rather oppressive. This phenomenon of early October is known as ‘October Heat’. It is replaced by late October when the temperature falls drastically, especially in northern India.
The northwestern India’s low-pressure conditions move to the Bay of Bengal area by early November. This shift is caused by cyclonic depressions that occur with their origins over the Andaman Sea. Those depressions that are able to cross the eastern coasts of India spread heavy rains. The destructive tropical cyclones strike the thickly populated area in the Godavari, Krishna and Kaveri deltas, causing large-scale loss of lives and properties. These cyclones may also arrive in Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts. Most of the rain that showers on the Coromandel coast derives from these depressions and cyclones. The winter rainfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is caused by these retreating monsoons, which are accompanied by strong surface winds, dense clouds, thundering and heavy downpour.
74. “Despite its regional variations, the monsoon is a phenomenon that unifies the entire Indian subcontinent.” Elaborate on this statement.
Answer: The one factor which unifies the climate of India is the fact of monsoons, with its alternation of seasons and reversal of winds. Even though there are great differences in temperature conditions and regional variations, the monsoon as a unifying bond is an obvious fact.
The seasonal alternation of the wind systems and the associated weather conditions provide a rhythmic cycle of season for the entire subcontinent. This cycle patterns the livelihood of the people.
The monsoon is a unifying factor as it influences the occupation followed by a large percentage of the Indian population, which is agriculture. The summer monsoon is vital to India’s agriculture. The timing and amount of the rains can mean the difference between a successful harvest and widespread crop failure and famine. The uncertainties of rain and uneven distribution are a prominent character, with some parts facing floods while others reel under drought, yet the dependence on the monsoon for agriculture binds the country together.
The monsoon also has a profound impact on the culture of India. The very essence of folk lifestyle, dances, music, festivals, paintings, and literature indicate the monsoon’s influence. It has an impact on India’s festivals, the lifestyle of people, the agricultural routine, animal and plant life, and the landscape too. For centuries, Indians from north to south and from east to west have gazed up eagerly at the skies to spot the monsoon clouds, showing a shared cultural and economic connection to this climatic event.
I need ua help for climate