Q1.
With reference to temperature and rainfall, identify and explain the differences in the Climatic
Zones of Pakistan.
Q2. How does the climate vary from place to place in each of the climatic zones to which you have
referred in Question 1. Explain the factors that affect Pakistan’s Climate.
The climate of a region depends on different factors. Following are factors affect climatic zones of
Pakistan.
(1) Latitude or distance from the equator which means that as we go northward temperature will
decrease.
(2) Distance from sea means places away from the sea are hot in summer and cool in winter.
(3) Altitude or height above sea level means temperature decreases with height. Mountainous areas are
cooler than plain areas.
(4) In Pakistan summer monsoon rain and in winter western depression brings rain.
Q3ai. Describe the winter climate of the Northern Mountains?
The northern areas experience low temperature because of height which varies in altitude. Winter is long
and cold with temperature below 5°C depending upon altitude. Valley bottom are comparatively warm.
Mountain range is permanently covered with snow. In general at an altitude of 5000 meters the
temperature remains below freezing point throughout the year. Rain and snow in winter is due to western
depression. Rainfall decreases from west to east and north to south.
Q3aii. In what ways does the winter climate make life difficult for people who live in mountain areas?
Snow covers ground so farming cannot be done, nothing grows so shortage of food and no fodder is
created. Water freezes so fishing is difficult, shortage of drinking water is created. Roads are blocked;
power and telephone lines may cutoff. No tourism is practiced because less income, air service is
restricted due to fog. Damage to buildings may be due to land sliding and avalanches. Pipes are
damaged due to frozen water. Indoor activities are done so heating of houses are needed.
Q3bi. Describe the summer climate of the Thar Desert?
In Thar Desert summer season is very hot and long. June is hottest month. Day time temperature in above
50° C. Hot, dusty winds prevail. Nights are not so hot. Rainfall is below 125mm annually mostly during
monsoon. In south it is little higher 250 mm due to nearness to sea. Desert storms are common in summer.
Q3bii. Describe how you & your family arrange your lives to survive extreme conditions of thar desert?
Due to high temperature and low rainfall crop growing is impossible. Livestock rearing like sheep, goat,
camel and cattle rearing is common. Nomadic way of life is practiced, people move in search of water and
fodder. Evapo-transpiration is high therefore Karez system of underground irrigation is used. In southern
part crops like millet, pulses are cultivated when rainfall is suitable. People wear thick clothes and
turbans to protect themselves from hot winds.
Q4 Three types of rain is experienced in Pakistan monsoon, depression and convection.
(a) explain why rising air is needed to produce rain.
(b) For each of three types explain how rising air is produced in Pakistan.
(I) Rising air is needed to produce rain because rising air cools at high altitude and condensation take
place. Clouds are formed and rain occurs.
(ii) Rising air is produced in three ways in Pakistan. Firstly summer monsoon winds rise up along the
northern hills and mountains. Secondly rising air occurs in depression which is low air pressure
cloud system. Air rises due to low air pressure in depressions and clouds forms due to condensation.
iii) Thirdly warm air rises because of convection. Heated land warm-up the air and it rises up, high
altitude causes cooling, condensation take place and clouds are formed. This causes thunder storm and
rainfall.
(ci) For each of the three types of rain referred to state the time of the year when it usually occurs in
Pakistan
1. Monsoon rainfalls begins in June till September.
2. Western depressions are cyclones. These winds cause rainfall from December to March.
3. Rainfall caused by convectional currents occurs in early summer.
(cii) Explain why in Pakistan a small amount of rain is usually experienced
Wind from Indian Ocean reaches Pakistan after crossing India called primary monsoon. Monsoon winds
from Arabian Sea are called secondary Monsoon which causes less rain. These winds cause rain from July
to September. The amount of rain decreases from northern area to Southern areas.
(d) In the Indus plain the summer rainfall is not always reliable. What problems are caused
(I) if the rainfall arrives earlier.
(ii) If the rainfall arrives late.
(iii) If amount of rain varies considerably from one year to another? J2002 (6)
(I) Early arrival of monsoon means prolonged rainy season may cause floods. Harvesting of Rabi crops
may be affected. The sowing of Kharif crops may be affected.
(ii) Late arrival of summer rain means less than usual rain will create drought conditions. It will badly
affect crops in barani areas.
(iii) If amount of rain varies then farmer will be unable to plan sowing of crops which depend upon rain
thus Barani farming is affected. Irrigation method will be needed which are expensive. Excessive rain
after sowing may damage young plants. If more rainfall occurs fields are floods and crops are
destroyed.
(e) Explain how the problems you have given in be overcome.
Water should be stored in reservoirs, barrages, ponds and tanks during the high rainfall. These storages
reduce the flood water and provides water for use in dry period. River embankment, diversion canals and
afforestation on mountain slopes also reduce flood destruction. Moreover, the weather forecast should be
given well in time to guide farmers about the upcoming conditions.
Q.5 Study Fig 2-A.
i) In which season does the shaded area receive most of its rainfall?
Western parts of Pakistan receive more rainfall from Western depressions than from other sources. These
winds cause rainfall from December to March.
ii) Explain why this is?
Western depressions are cyclones which originate in the Mediterranean Sea, cross Afghanistan and Iran
then reach western Pakistan. After striking the north-western areas such as Peshawar and northern Pakistan,
they move towards the west and south-west. By the time they reach south-western Balochistan they have
lost their moisture. These winds cause rainfall in these areas from December to March.
iii) Why does Quetta receive less rain than Peshawar?
Quetta receives rainfall mainly in winter from western depression. Quetta does not get rain from the
summer monsoon winds. Peshawar is a rain fed area and gets western depression rain in winter and also
receives rain from monsoon in summer. Peshawar is located at higher altitude than Quetta so moist winds
easily reach their.
Q6i. What causes many rivers in Pakistan to flood in July
In July the summer monsoon enters Pakistan and causes heavy rainfall which increases flow of water in
rivers. Melting of snow is higher due to rising temperature may cause floods in rivers.
Q6ii Name two benefits that may occur when rivers flood.
Flood increases fertility, dams and barrages are filled by water, flood water fills inundation canals, recharge
ground water and flourish fishing industry.
Q6iii How may a cotton textile factory in Hyderabad be affected by floods in Punjab in July?
The textile factory takes their raw materials from Punjab. When these areas are damaged by flood, the
crops destroyed and farmers are not able to use the land until the water has drained away. The
consequences of such disturbances results in high lead time, high production cost, low reliability of
product, wastage of time, materials etc.
Q6iv How and why may flooding affect the economy?
Standing crops and orchids are washed away, loss of food supply, farmers are unable to use land until
water is drained away, mud houses are damaged and cattle is swept away, communication is disrupted,
roads and bridges are damaged, telephone and electricity services are affected. Railway track is
damaged. Mud and bricks roads become unusable. People are evacuated from flood hit areas. Emergency
food, shelter and medical aid is needed which is a Burdon on economy. Funds are needed for
rehabilitation and rebuilding. Industries are closed down, exports are reduced and tax collections
decline.
Q6v Name three measures that could be taken to minimize the harmful effects of the floods.
Dams and barrages can store water. Dykes and embankments along river banks prevent overflow of
water from rivers. Flood monitoring and early warning system are developed. Diversion canals reduce
pressure of floods. River channel can be widened and forestation in northern areas.
Q.7a Study the map, Fig. 2, which shows the main monsoon wind and the rainfall distribution from July
to September.
i) Explain why the monsoon wind that is shown develops?
The monsoon wind develops because of the strong heating of ground which causes high temperatures over
the land i.e., North and Central Pakistan. High temperature causes air to rise and become lighter. Less
dense air creates a low-pressure area that rises. High pressure wind comes to take the place of the low
pressure wind. Therefore, winds move from high to low pressure creating monsoon winds.
ii) Describe the rainfall distribution shown in Fig. 2 and explain how it is caused by the monsoon winds.
Q.7b. How may storms and heavy rainfall cause problems for people in Pakistan?
Heavy rain and storms cause floods that may cause damage and blockage of roads. High winds may cause
damage to buildings and trees. There may be erosion of land that will affect road. There may be loss of
power that led to loss of industrial production and business. Due to heavy rainfall, factories, warehouses
and stores may be flooded with water spoiling goods and machinery. Roads may be washed out and
communication may be disturbed. Shipping and fishing operations may be disturbed and air flights
may be cancelled. Labour may sit idle and lose their wages. Lack of raw material can affect the industrial
production.
Q.8. Study Fig. 7, which shows the desert climate of Nok Kundi. - J-10
i) With reference to Fig. 7, describe yearly distribution of temperature and rainfall in a desert climate.
The graph shows that Nok Kundi experiences very hot and long summer season (march till November)
and short, cool and mild winter season (December till March). January is the coolest month with 11 OC
average monthly temperature. After January the temperature rises steadily till it reaches a maximum of
35OC in June and July. After August the temperature gradually and steadily declines till December (13 OC).
Rainfall is very scanty and is about 50mm during the whole year. Rainfall comes mainly during winter
months of December to March. From April to November the rainfall is very low and variable. May, June,
September and November are exceptionally dry months.
ii) Explain how the climate of desert areas affects agricultural and industrial development.
Acute shortage of water hinders development in agriculture. High summer temperature results in high rate
of evaporation. Therefore, agriculture will not be possible unless arrangement for irrigation through
storage tanks, wells or Karez is made. Karez can support some agriculture on a limited scale. Wind storms
and dust storms which are common in desert climate also damage crop growth.
Lack of water also discourages industrial development. Every industry needs water. No agriculture raw
material is available in this region, labour is short because of low population and out-migration.
Q 9. What are the advantages and disadvantages of winter rainfall in Northern Pakistan? – J-11
Advantages: Winter rains support growth of Rabi crops, e.g., wheat, as well as crops in Barani areas
(Potwar plateau) and fruit crops in mountainous areas. This rain fills reservoirs providing more water for
irrigation, HEP production and domestic and industrial consumers. Rain provides precious water in
northern mountains where there is all snow.
Disadvantages: If precipitation occurs as snowfalls, it is of little use. Frozen rivers and lakes also create
problems for the local people. Farmers are forced for transhumance (seasonal migration) as they cannot
avail water. Heavy snow causes landslides, mudslides and siltation in reservoirs. Growing crops becomes
difficult due to very low temperatures and lesser availability of water.
Q Explain the importance of the arrival of the monsoon to people who live and work in urban areas. (4)
J 2011
Monsoon rain has a pleasant effect as it lowers the summer temperature. Dust and pollution are washed
away, making environment and working conditions better. It brings more water for domestic, industrial and
commercial consumers.
However, it brings floods, harms property that makes life difficult. People in cities cannot move to their
work place as roads are inundated which results in the loss of production.
Q Explain why western depression causes rainfall during winter. (4) N2000.
The western areas receive rain in winter from western depression. These depressions are low air pressure
system developed on Mediterranean passes through Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan and enter Pakistan
causes rain in Pakistan from December to March in NWFP, northern Baluchistan, Murree Hills and Northern
Punjab. Since Pakistan is at tail end brings light rain. The amount of rain decreases from north to south of
Pakistan and From West to East.
Q What are advantages & disadvantages of winter rainfall in northern areas? (6) J2011.
Advantages: Winter rainfall provides water in rivers and fills reservoirs. Provide water for irrigation and
hydro-electricity production. Water became available for Rabi crops. Winter rain is in light shower so
absorbed in soil. Snowfall increases tourism. Later melting of this snow provides water in rivers on
melting.
Problems: Mostly snow falls in winter, rivers and lakes are frozen, temperature is too cold for growth of
crops and plants may cause floods, land sliding, roads are closed or became slippery. Farmers are forced to
adopt transhumance way of livestock.
Q Explain why Sialkot has over 250 mm of rain in July and August? (4) J2002
The summer monsoon blow with full strength in July and August. Monsoon originates from the Bay of
Bengal and enters Pakistan after crossing India. Sialkot is located near foothill of Sub-Himalayas on the
eastern most side so receives good rainfall from monsoon.
Q Describe the characteristics of winter climate in northern areas. (3) J2000
The northern areas experience low temperature because of height which varies in altitude. Winter is long
and cold with temperature below 5°C depending upon altitude (height). Valley bottom are comparatively
warm. Mountain range is permanently covered with snow. In general at an altitude of 5000 meters the
temperature remains below freezing point throughout the year. Rain and snow in winter is due to western
depression. Rainfall decreases from west to east and north to south.
Weather:
Daily atmospheric condition of an area is called weather.
Climate:
30 years of average weather conditions of an area is called climate.
Q Why western depression are more useful for agriculture than monsoon?
Monsoon rainfall varies in timing, amount and distribution occurs in heavy showers so it is absorbed in soil
and mostly water drains off. Vapor-transpiration rate is high in summer. While rain due to western
depression occur in light shower absorbed by soil. Evapo-transpiration rate is low in winter. Western
depression is useful for Rabbi Crops. Monsoon is useful if water is stored in dams and barrages.
Areas are affected by tropical cyclones:
Coasts of Sindh and Balochistan.
A dvantages and disadvantages of thunderstorm:
Advantages: Supply water, reservoirs are filled with water and increase hydro-electricity production.
Disadvantages: May cause floods which damage and block roads. High winds damage buildings and trees.
Loss of power supply reduces production, disrupt flights and fishing activities. Soil erosion caused by rain
effects roads and railway lines.
Q What type of rainfall does Murree receives in May-June and Oct-November? How does it formed? (4)
Murree receives rain due to convectional rain in these months. The land is heated which warms up the
layers of air close to the surface. Warm air rises up and cools to the surface. Warm air rises up and cools
down at high altitude and condensation take place. Clouds are formed and rain occurs. Convectional
rainfall is accompanied by thunder and lightning. The rainfall is small in amount. October and November
are driest months.
Q Three types of storm which occur in Pakistan are thunder storms, dust storms and snow storm. State
location of an area where it is most likely to occur.
(I) Thunder storm usually occurs in northern hilly regions and northern Punjab.
(2) Dust storm common in region adjoining deserts such as lower Punjab, Upper Sindh and parts of
Balochistan.
(3) Snowfall is common in northern High Mountain over 6000 meters.
(ii) State time of year when thunder storms, dust storms and snow storm are most likely to occur.
(1) Thunder storm occurs in April-June and October-November.
(2) Snow storm occurs in winter season from December to March.
(3) Thunder storm occurs due to excess heating and convection. Air close to land is heated up and become
light and rises up. Rising air forms clouds due to condensation and thunder storm is formed.
Q Explain why dust storms and snow storm take place at time of year in the area you have mentioned?
(1) Dust storm which creates due to low air pressure. Strong wind blow surrounding to fill vacuum and
pick up sand and dust with them so dust storm is created.
(2) Snow storm develops in high mountain regions in winter due to low temperature precipitation is in the
form of snow, if accompanied by strong wind snow storm is formed.
Topic: Droughts.
Causes of droughts:
Lack of monsoon rain, dry and hot winds reduce moisture in soil, deforestation reduce rainfall. Water is
wasted due to mismanagement and unlined canals, overgrazing of land reduces transpiration and rainfall.
Global climate changes have changing climate of Pakistan.
Effects of droughts:
Tharparkar in Sindh and parts of Balochistan are affected by drought. People and livestock die due to
shortage of water and hunger. Crops are destroyed due to shortage of water. People migrate to other areas.
Lot of funds is needed to set up camps to provide food shelter. In drought conditions soil dries and blow
away by winds so crop cultivation is effected in future, bring diseases, famine and death.
Pakistan’s topographic features leads to a variety of climates: i.e. Highland climate, Low land climate,
Coastal Climate and Arid climate.
