Std.

X Ashoka Universal School, Ashoka Marg

Ch. 7 - Climate of India
Textbook Notes

Q1. Choose the correct option (MCQ)

1. Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra is one of the wettest place in India due to its location on a
a. high altitude c. Tropical Zone
b. windward slope d. leeward slope.

2. Assertion (A): India has a tropical monsoon type of climate.

Reason (R): Its climate is influenced by the monsoon winds which are largely confined to the Tropics.
a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
c. A is true but R is false.
d. A is false but R is true.

3. The Western Ghats receive more rainfall from the South West monsoon than the Eastern Ghats because
a. it lies in the way of South West Monsoon winds.
b. it lies in the rain-shadow area of the Himalayas.
c. it lies in the rain-shadow area of the Eastern Ghats.
d. it is triangular in shape.

4. What causes the winter rain along the Coromandel Coast?

a. Sea breeze c. South-west monsoon
b. Retreating monsoon d. Western disturbances

5. Assertion (A): The Himalayas form a climatic barrier separating the Indian subcontinent from the rest of
Asia.
Reason (R): They are high mountain ranges with some of the world's highest peaks.
a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
c. A is true but R is false.
d. A is false but R is true.

6. Which of the following is NOT a source of rainfall for Punjab and Haryana?
a. Western disturbances
b. Arabian Sea branch of South-west monsoon
c. Bay of Bengal branch of South-west monsoon
d. Retreating monsoon.

7. Which of the following factors does not affect the climate of a place?
a. Varied relief c. Distance from the Sea
b. The Monsoon Winds d. Urbanisation

8. Assertion (A): The Western Ghats get heavy rainfall on the western side.
Reason (R): The Western Ghats are parallel to the monsoon winds.
a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
c. A is true but R is false.
d. A is false but R is true.

9. Western disturbances influence the climatic conditions in northern India during which season?
a. Summer c. Spring
b. Winter d. Monsoon

10. The summer monsoon winds blow in which direction?

a. North-East c. North-West
b. South-West d. South-East
 Std. X Ashoka Universal School, Ashoka Marg

11. The Arabian Sea Branch of the monsoon winds splits in three. Which of the following is incorrect?
a. Western Ghats and Western Coastal Plains.
b. Saurashtra Peninsula and Kutch.
c. Coast north of Mumbai and the Narmada and Tapi Valleys.
d. Coromandel coast and Odisha.

12. Mahendra was happy that the rains came on time and he could plant his paddy without depending on
irrigation. But after a few wet days there was no rain for more than two weeks. What is this period called?
a. Burst of monsoon
b. Break of monsoon
c. Delayed monsoon
d. El Nino

13. Which of the following is good for the cultivation of tea and jute?
a. Mango showers
b. Loo
c. Kalbaisakhi
d. None of the above.

14. Where does the Arabian Sea branch join the Bay of Bengal branch?
a. In Punjab and Haryana
b. In Western Ghats
c. In Chota Nagpur Plateau
d. In the Sahyadris.

15. What causes the 'October Heat'?

a. High temperature and heavy rainfall.
b. Reduced temperature and heavy rainfall.
c. High temperature and humidity.
d. Reduced temperature and humidity.

16. Assertion (A): Nagpur sees a maximum of 45° C in May which drops to 31° C in July.
Reason (R): The rains bring down the temperature.
a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
c. A is true but R is false.
d. A is false but R is true.

17. Why do the interior parts of the Deccan remain dry during the Retreating monsoon?
a. Because they lie in the rain-shadow of the Eastern Ghats.
b. Because they lie parallel to the Eastern Ghats.
c. Because they lie in the rain-shadow of the Western Ghats.
d. Because they lie parallel to the Arabian Sea Branch.

18. The climate of India is strongly influenced by ............... .

a. Trade winds
b. Loo
c. Easterly winds
d. Monsoon winds

19. Which of the following factors cause the rise in the temperature of mainland of India in the month of
March?
a. The land breeze blows towards the sea
b. The pressure belts shift.
c. Southward migration of the Sun from the equator.
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d. Northward migration of the Sun from the equator.

20. Assertion (A): A large part of the Bay of Bengal Branch of the South West Monsoon is deflected towards
the Indian Subcontinent.
Reason (R): The presence of the Arakan Hills along the coast of Myanmar.
a. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
b. Both A and R are true but R does not explain A.
c. A is true but R is false.
d. A is false but R is true.

21. The following headline was printed in a newspaper "The monsoon is set to deliver its last bout of rainfall
before retreating from the region." In which month would this be published?
a. June
b. September
c. October
d. March

22. Which state in India is the first to experience the onset of the monsoon and the last to see its withdrawal?
a. Tamil Nadu
b. Kerala
c. West Bengal
d. Goa

23. Which of the following areas get rainfall from the Retreating monsoon?
a. West Coast of India
b. East Coast of India
c. Western Ghats
d. Thar desert

Q1.a. Name the type of climate prevailing over India. Mention any two factors responsible for it.
Ans. India has a tropical monsoon type of climate. Two factors responsible for this type of climate are-
1. The Himalayas
2. Varied Relief

Q1.b. State two important characteristic features of the Monsoon rainfall in India.
Ans. Two important characteristic features of the Monsoon rainfall in India are-
1. Reversal of wind system.
2. Uneven distribution of rainfall over the year.

Q1.c. Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Heatwaves in the end of April are experienced in the northern plains.
Ans. From March to May the vertical rays of the sun move northwards. This causes the temperature to rise with the
increase in solar radiation. The states that are surrounded by land and have continental type of climate get hotter and
experience heatwaves.

(ii) Tropical cyclones are common in the Bay of Bengal as compared to the Arabian sea.
Ans. The Bay of Bengal generally has warmer sea conditions, which causes low pressure systems where more surface
water evaporates. This causes more cyclones to form over this area. Whereas the Arabian Sea is slightly cooler
throughout the year, and therefore has less cyclones forming over its water.

(iii) The Indo-Gangetic Plain gets some rainfall in the months of December and January.
Ans. The Indo-gangetic plain gets some rainfall in the months of December and January because of the western
disturbances, which originate in West Asia and in the regions near the Mediterranean sea. These westerly depressions
bring winter rainfall over the Indo-Gangetic Plains
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Q1.d. (i) What is 'Monsoon'?

(ii) Name the place in India which receives the heaviest rainfall.
Ans.
(i) Monsoon are periodic or seasonal reversing winds. They are divided into two wind systems — the Summer
Monsoon that blow south-west and the Winter Monsoon that blow north-east.
(ii) Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in Meghalaya receive the heaviest rainfall.

Q2.a. Mention the different sources of rain in Punjab and Tamil Nadu during the winter season.
Ans. During the winter season, Punjab receives rainfall from temperate cyclones that originate from the Mediterranean
Sea. These cyclones are not of great intensity. They are called the Western Disturbances.
Tamil Nadu receives rainfall from the North East Monsoon winds that blow over the Bay of Bengal and bring winter
rainfall to the state.

Q2.b. What is meant by ‘rain-shadow’ area? Give an example and state the mountains which are responsible
for the rain shadow area.
Ans. A rain shadow area is an area of dry land that lies on the leeward side of a mountain. High mountains act as
barriers for cold if they are high enough and lie in the path of rain – bearing winds. The leeward side of the mountains
remains dry.
The Western Ghats in India are an example of mountains causing rain shadow area. The moisture laden winds
from the Arabian Sea branch shed most of its moisture on the western slopes of the Western Ghats due to which by the
time they reach the eastern slopes of Western Ghats the winds have less moisture and this side receives very less
rainfall. For example, Mahabaleshwar situated on the Western side of Western Ghats, receives 250 cm of rainfall
whereas Pune, only a few km away, receives less than 70 cm of rainfall.

Q2.c. Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow:
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temp
23.1 24.8 26.5 29.3 32 32.8 33.1 32.1 30.5 29.3 28.7 26.1
°C

Rain
15.3 10.1 0.3 0.1 1.3 4.5 6.1 10.2 10.5 20.1 16.8 19.0
cm
(i) Calculate the annual rainfall experienced by the station.
(ii) What can you conclude about the climate of this station — is it maritime or continental? How did you come to
this conclusion?
(iii) Name the season during which rainfall is the heaviest. Name a probable station satisfying this criteria..
Ans.
(i) The annual rainfall experienced by the station is 114.3 cm.
(ii) The station experiences Maritime climate. This is because this station experiences moderate climate with not
extreme temperature variations between summer and winter.
(iii) The season during which rainfall is the heaviest is retreating monsoon. A probable station that satisfies these
criteria is Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

Q2.d. Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Western Rajasthan receives no rain from the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West Monsoon winds.
Ans. Western Rajasthan receives no rain from the Arabian Sea branch of the South-West Monsoon winds because the
Arabian Sea branch of the South west monsoon blows parallel to the Aravalli hills. Since the moisture-bearing winds
do not strike the mountains, they do not cause any rainfall in Western Rajasthan.

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(ii) Mangalore is not cold even in the month of December.
Ans. Mangalore is situated along the Western Coast of India. Therefore, it experiences moderate impact of land
breezes and sea breezes all through the year. This keeps the weather of Mangalore moderate i.e. neither too hot nor too
cool. Hence, it is not cold even in the month of December.

(iii) Even in summer Shimla is cooler than Delhi.

Ans. Shimla is cooler than Delhi in summer because it is located at a higher altitude than Delhi and the temperature
decreases with the height at a rate of 1°C for every 166 m of ascend.

Q3.a. State two points of difference in climate between the northern and the southern zone of India due to
latitude.
Ans. Two points of difference in climate between the northern and the southern zone of India due to latitude are —
1. The northern zone has cold winter season and hot summer season while the southern zone is warmer than the
north but does not have a clear-cut winter season.
2. The northern zone doesn't have the mid day sun almost vertically overhead during any part of the year, while
the southern zone has the mid day sun almost vertically overhead at least twice a year.

Q3.b. State briefly the impact of water bodies on the climate in coastal areas.
Ans. The water bodies have a great impact on the climate in coastal areas. Water bodies act as a major source of
moisture to the summer monsoons and bring heavy rainfall to the whole area. Such areas experience moderate climate,
neither too hot nor too cold.

Q3.c. Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Variations in the type of climate in different regions of India.
Ans. India has a varied climate due to the presence of various relief features like mountains, deserts, presence of seas
etc. Further the large latitudinal extent, altitude, presence of many mountain ranges and nearness to the oceans results
in different climatic conditions in different regions.

(ii) Most parts of India receive rainfall between June and September.
Ans. Most parts of India receive rainfall between June and September because the differential heating of land and sea
during summer season causes the monsoon winds to drift towards the subcontinent.

(iii) South-West Monsoons withdraw from northern India in October.

Ans. South-West Monsoons withdraw from northern India in October because from October, the vertical rays of the
sun gradually start moving southwards. This causes the low pressure over the northern plains to gradually become
weaker and be replaced by a high pressure system.

Q3.d. (i) What are Jet Streams?

(ii) How do they influence the climate of India?
Ans.
(i) Jet streams are cold fast blowing winds that develop in the upper layers of the atmosphere.
(ii) They influence the climate of India as the westerly jet stream prevails over the North Indian Plains during the
winter months, while the easterly jet stream steers the tropical depression over India. These depressions play a
significant role in the distribution of monsoon rainfall in the subcontinent. The highest rainfall occurs along the track
of these depressions.

Q4.a. How does El-Nino affect the climate of India?

Ans. El-Nino increases the surface temperature of the sea and affects the movement of monsoon winds in the Indian
Ocean and causes weak drought-like situation in the Indian sub continent.

Q4.b. State two characteristic features of North-East Monsoon.

Ans. Two characteristic features of North-East Monsoon are-
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1. These winds blow from December to February.
2. These winds blow from land to sea.

Q4.c. Mention three important features of rainfall in India.

Ans. Three important features of rainfall in India are-
● There is rainfall over three months and the rest of the year is mostly dry. Seventy percent of annual rainfall
occurs in the rainy season.
● The rains are mainly of relief type. The windward slopes of the mountains get more rainfall than the leeward
side.
● Only a small portion of the rainfall is received from sources other than the monsoon, like cyclonic rainfall and
convectional rainfall.

Q4.d. Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Pune receives less rainfall than Mumbai.
Ans. Pune receives less rainfall than Mumbai because Mumbai lies on the windward side of the Western Ghats while
Pune lies on the leeward side. Since places lying on the leeward side receive less rainfall, Pune receives less rainfall
than Mumbai from the SW Monsoon winds.

(ii) Tropical cyclones bring heavy rainfall but temperate cyclones bring light rainfall.
Ans. A tropical cyclone is mainly formed due to the development of a low pressure area over the sea, this results in
high humidity and temperature which causes heavy rainfall. However, in a temperate cyclone wind speed is low and
all sectors of the cyclone have different temperatures which is followed by continuous light rainfall for many days

(iii) Kerala has a tropical climate while Punjab has a continental climate.
Ans. Kerala has a tropical climate while Punjab has a continental climate because Kerala is situated near a water body
while Punjab is situated in the interior of the subcontinent. Influenced by the sea, Kerala experiences a maritime
climate, neither too hot nor too cold. Punjab experiences continental type of climate, very hot in summer and very cold
in winter.

Q5.a. Distinguish between 'Burst of Monsoon' and 'Break of Monsoon'.

Burst of Monsoons Break of Monsoons

The sudden violent onset of rainfall in the first week of When the South-west monsoon fails to bring rainfall for
June is termed as the burst of monsoon. two or more weeks in the rainy season, it is called break
of monsoon.

These winds bring heavy rainfall accompanied by It is a dry period which results in shortage of water for
violent thunder and lightning. the country for agriculture and personal use.

Q5.b. Define:
(i) Western Disturbances
(ii) Mango Showers.
Ans.
(i) Western Disturbances: A characteristic feature of the cold weather season is the inflow of depressions from the
west and the north-west. These low pressure systems are called western disturbances. They originate in West Asia and
the regions near the Mediterranean Sea. They travel eastwards across Iran and Pakistan and reach India during the
winter season. They bring the much needed winter rains over the plains and snowfall in the mountains.

(ii) Mango Showers: Mango showers are the pre-monsoon showers in the Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, Konkan
and Goa that help in the ripening of mangoes. These showers are also important for tea and coffee plants.

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Q5.c. Give a geographical reason for each of the following:
(i) The monsoon rain is unevenly distributed over India.
Ans. The monsoon rain is unevenly distributed over India because most parts of India receive relief rainfall, therefore
windward sides always receive more rainfall than the leeward side. Some places like Aravalli and Coromandel coast
lie parallel to south west monsoon winds, hence, are not able to obstruct these winds and receive very little rainfall.

(ii) Excessive cold in north India during the winter season.

Ans. Excessive cold in north India during the winter season is because north India is far from the sea and the equator.
Hence, it experiences continental type of climate — cold winters and hot summers. It also receives the slanting rays of
the sun which cause it to become cold in the winters.

(iii) Most of India remains dry during the North-East Monsoon season.
Ans. Most of India remains dry during the North-East Monsoon season because north-east trade winds blow from land
to sea and hence, do not carry moisture necessary for rainfall.

Q5.d.(i) Name two regions which get very little rain from the Summer Monsoon.
(ii) Name any two local winds which blow in India during the summer season.
Ans.
(i) Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan get very little rain from the Summer Monsoon.
(ii) Two local winds which blow in India during the summer season are Loo and Kalbaisakhi.

Q6.a. What is meant by the season of 'Retreating Monsoon'?

Ans. During the months of October-November, the south-west monsoon winds become weaker and start to retreat
from the skies of North India. This phase of the monsoon is known as the retreating monsoon.

Q6.b. Name the months in which Retreating Monsoon rain is experienced.

Ans. Retreating Monsoon rain is experienced in the months of October and November.

Q6.c. Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) The northern plains of India do not freeze in winter.
Ans. The northern plains of India do not freeze in winter because the Himalayas form a climatic barrier separating the
Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia. They prevent the cold Siberian winds from entering India.

(ii) In spite of the Aravalli Range, Rajasthan receives scanty rainfall.

Ans. The state of Rajasthan receives scanty rainfall because it lies in the rain-shadow region of the Aravali Mountains.
The Aravali Hills run parallel to the Arabian Sea branch, and thus do not form any barrier to intercept the winds. The
winds thus pass through Rajasthan without causing any rainfall.

(iii) Patna receives heavier rain than Delhi.

Ans. Patna receives heavier rain than Delhi because Patna is on the eastern side which is closer to the SW Monsoon
Bay of Bengal branch. As the Bay of Bengal branch turns westwards towards the Himalayas it brings rains to areas
like Patna and loses moisture by the time it reaches Delhi.

Q6.d. (i) Name the seasons during which the North-East Trade Winds dominate.
(ii) How do these winds affect the climate of India?
Ans.
(i) The North-East Trade Winds dominate during the winter season.
(ii) North-east trade winds blow from land to sea, hence, most parts of the country remain dry. These winds may cause
some amount of rainfall on the Coromandel coast. The nights are extremely cold while the days are pleasantly warm.

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Q7.a. Give two points of difference between the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch of South-
West Monsoon Winds.
Ans.
Arabian Sea branch of South-West Monsoon Bay of Bengal branch of South-West Monsoon
Winds Winds

It enters Indian landmass after blowing over a vast

open sea. During this period, it collects a lot of It travels a shorter distance and carries less moisture.
moisture.

It hits against the Western Ghats as soon as it blows It has to travel a long distance over land before it hits
over the land. against the mountains.

Q7.b. Name any two states that receive rain in January-February from North-East Monsoons.
Ans. The eastern coast of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh receives much rainfall during the winter season through
north-east monsoons.

Q7.c. Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Western part of Rajasthan is a desert region.
Ans. The western part of Rajasthan is a desert because the Aravali range lies parallel to the moisture laden winds
coming from the Arabian Sea. Since they do not obstruct the winds, it does not rain in western Rajasthan.

(ii) Kochi has a lower annual range of temperature than Agra.

Ans. Kochi has a coastal location while Agra is located away from the sea. Due to the influence of the moist winds
from the sea, Kochi experiences a moderate climatic condition throughout the year whereas Agra has extreme
temperature conditions resulting in a higher annual range of temperature than Kochi.

(iii) The Northern plains and Punjab receive cyclonic rain in winter.
Ans. The Northern plains and Punjab receive cyclonic rain in winter due to the western disturbances entering the
Indian sub-continent from the North-west.

Q7.d.(i) What causes the winter rain along Coromandel coast?

(ii) Name a state which gets sufficient rainfall from the winter monsoon.
Ans.
(i) North East Trade winds cause the winter rain along Coromandel coast.
(ii) Tamil Nadu gets sufficient rainfall from the winter monsoon.

Q8.a. Give two points of difference between Tropical Cyclones and Temperate Cyclones.
Ans.
Tropical Cyclones Temperate Cyclones

These are tropical depressions originating in the Bay of

These low pressure systems originate in West Asia
Bengal caused by the local variations of heat and
and the regions near the Mediterranean Sea.
moisture.

They are active in November and December. They are active between December and February.

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Q8.b. An Inter-School Football Match at Visakhapatnam from November 1 to 3 had to be cancelled because of
bad weather. Give an explanation for this happening. Your explanation should provide the technical name of
this season in India, as well as the pressure conditions over the Bay of Bengal.
Ans. An interschool Football Match at Vishakapatnam from November 1 to 3 had to be cancelled because of the
cyclones. This is a season of retreating monsoon. During this season the low pressure conditions of the land are
transferred to the centre of the Bay of Bengal that gives rise to cyclonic depressions.

Q8.c. Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Kanyakumari experiences an equable climate.
Ans. Kanyakumari experiences equable climate because it is located near the coast, and there is not much difference
between the temperatures during the summer and winter.

(ii) The Coromandel coast remains dry in July - August.

Ans. The Coromandel coast remains dry during the Summer Monsoon season because it is located parallel to the Bay
of Bengal branch and lies on the leeward side of the Arabian Sea branch.

(iii) Mangalore experiences more rainfall than Mysore.

Ans. Mangalore lies on the windward side of Western Ghats and Mysore lies on the leeward side of the Western
Ghats. Since areas located on the windward side receive more rainfall than the areas located on the leeward side,
Mangalore experiences more rainfall than Mysore.

Q9.a. From where does the winter showers in Western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab originate?
Ans. Winter showers in Western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab originate from the weak temperate cyclones from the
Mediterranean Sea.

Q9.b. State the economic importance of Kalbaisakhis in West Bengal and Assam.
Ans. Kalbaisakhis are of economic importance in West Bengal and Assam because they bring rainfall in these regions.
This rainfall is quite beneficial for growing jute and rice in West Bengal and tea in Assam.

Q9.c. Give a geographical reason for each of the following:

(i) Chennai receives less rain than Thiruvananthapuram although it has more rainy days.
Ans. Since Thiruvananthapuram lies on the windward side of Western ghats therefore it receives heavy rainfall from
the South West monsoon. While Chennai lies on the leeward side and gets rainfall from the North East monsoon
which is not as strong. Thiruvananthapuram also gets some rain from the retreating Monsoon.

(ii) Shillong gets less than 200 cm of rainfall in a year while Cherrapunji receives more than 1250 cm of
rainfall.
Ans. Cherrapunji lies on the crest of the southern range of Khasi hills. It receives rain from the South West Monsoon
Bay of Bengal Branch as it is in the pathway of these winds. Hence, it receives heavy rainfall. Shillong is located on
the upper (leeward) side of the Garo-Khasi-Jaintia hills, which is a rain shadow area and hence, receives less than 200
cm of rainfall in a year.

(iii) Jaipur has a higher annual range of temperature than Mumbai.

Ans. Jaipur has a higher annual range of temperature than Mumbai because Jaipur is situated in the northern part of
India, away from the sea. Hence, Jaipur experiences continental type of climate, too hot in summer and too cold in
winter. Mumbai, on the other hand, is situated near the sea so it has a moderate type of climate, neither too hot nor too
cold.

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Q9.d. Briefly explain the role of the Himalayas in determining the climate of India during:
(i) the hot weather season
(ii) the southwest monsoon season

Ans. (i) The Himalayas form a climatic barrier separating the Indian subcontinent from the rest of Asia. They prevent
the cold Siberian winds from entering the Indian region and from India becoming a cold desert.

(ii) During the South West Monsoon season, the Himalayas play an important role in determining the amount of
rainfall received by several places in the country. They act as a barrier to the South West Monsoon winds coming from
the Indian Ocean. These winds when they strike the mountains bring rainfall to the northern plains.

Q10.a. According to a news report the onset of southwest monsoon over Kerala was delayed and happened on
June 8, 2023 due to El Nino. What is El Nino? What is the expected date for the onset of Southwest Monsoons
over Kerala?
Ans. El-Nino refers to an abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific region. It increases the surface
temperature of the sea and affects the movement of monsoon winds in the Indian Ocean.
The expected date for the on5.470W* nBTh8alasst ai9riveraainds s0 G[( )] TJETQq0.000008871 0 595.32 841.92 reW* nBT/F3 11.0

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Q10.d.
Study the climatic data for cities A and B given below and answer the questions that follow:
City A
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temp
15.4 19.5 24.9 29.6 31.5 31.7 30 29.8 29.2 27.1 22.3 17.2
°C

Rain mm 11 14 10 13 45 165 355 280 200 50 7 6

City B
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temp °C 24 26 29 30.8 32 31.6 30 29.6 29.6 28.6 26.4 24.2

Rain mm 10 12 11 20 65 120 130 160 200 210 90 8

(i) Calculate the annual rainfall for both cities.
(ii) Where are the two cities located? Give reasons to support your answer.
Ans.
(i) City A annual rainfall = 1156 mm; City B annual rainfall = 1036 mm
(ii)City A
Upon analyzing the temperature and rainfall patterns of City A, Delhi closely matches the provided data.
Reasons:
1. The climatic data of city A indicates a region with a continental climate, characterized by cool winters, warm
summers, and a pronounced monsoon season with significant rainfall during the summer months.
2. Heavy rainfall experienced from the South west monsoon, with peaks in July-September.
3. Almost no rainfall from November to April.
City B Upon analyzing the temperature and rainfall patterns of City B, Bengaluru (Bangalore) in Karnataka closely
matches the provided data.
Reasons:
1. This city experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year with no extreme cold, indicating a Maritime
climate.
2. Due to South-west monsoon, the rainfall increases from June, peaking between July and October, and tapering
off by November.

Q11.a. Taru has lived in Pune for her entire life. Now she has to shift to Ludhiana. As a student of geography,
what would you tell her to prepare her for life in the new city?
Ans. Taru would have to understand that the climate of Pune and Ludhiana are vastly different. As Pune lies in the
sudden part of India, it enjoys a relatively pleasant climate. The temperature in Ludhiana will have hotter summers
and colder winters.
Taru would also have to note that Pune, being on a slightly higher elevation, will experience cooler nights, even in
summer season. Whereas Ludhina might experience hotter days and nights.
Taru will also notice that during summer, there will be hot dry air going through Ludhiana (Loo), that might cause
heat stores and dust storms, which are not present in Pune. Also Ludhiana will experience slight rain in winter time
(western disturbances) which Pune does not receive.

Q11.b. Explain why the South West Monsoon winds enter West Bengal from the south or south-east direction.
Ans. The Bay of Bengal branch of the South-west monsoon is directed towards the coast of Myanmar and part of
south-east Bangladesh. However, owing to the presence of the Arakan Hills along the coast of Myanmar, a large part
of this branch of monsoon is deflected towards the Indian subcontinent. The monsoons, therefore, enter West Bengal
from south and south-east instead of the south-westerly direction.

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Q11.c. How would the monsoon mechanism be affected by the absence of the Great Indian Desert?
Ans. Reason 1: Role of the Desert in Monsoon Development: The Great Indian Desert (Thar Desert) heats up
intensely during the summer months. This intense heating creates a low-pressure area, which is a crucial factor in
attracting the moisture-laden South West Monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Reason 2: Weakened Low-Pressure System: If the desert were absent, the land would not heat up as intensely,
resulting in a weaker low-pressure area. This weaker low-pressure system would reduce the intensity of the monsoon
winds drawn towards the Indian subcontinent, leading to a weaker monsoon overall.

Q11.d. Most parts of India do not receive rainfall in the winter season. Why? Name two regions that receive
winter rainfall and identify each region's source.
Ans. Most parts of India do not receive rainfall in the winter season because during this time, the winds blow from the
land to the sea (northeast monsoon winds). Since these winds originate over the land and have anti-cyclonic
circulation, they are dry and do not carry much moisture. As a result, they do not cause significant rainfall in most
parts of the country.
Two regions that receive winter rainfall are:
1. Punjab — Punjab receives rainfall from Western Disturbances (temperate cyclones) that originate from the
Mediterranean Sea.
2. Tamil Nadu — Tamil Nadu receives rainfall from the North East Monsoon Winds. These winds pick up
moisture while blowing over the Bay of Bengal and bring rainfall to Tamil Nadu.

Q12. The IMD collates rainfall between June and September as SW monsoon. Answer the following questions:
a. The southwest monsoon typically accounts for about 70% of India’s annual rainfall, making it vital for
the country’s agrarian economy, which contributes approximately 14% to the national GDP. A good
monsoon would boost the economy, how?
Ans. A good monsoon provides adequate water for crops, leading to higher yields. This increased agricultural output
directly contributes to the agrarian economy, which is a significant portion of India's GDP. Higher production of crops
like rice, wheat, and pulses ensures food security and potentially increases exports. Since a large percentage of India's
population is dependent on agriculture, the increase in agriculture will boost the income of a significant population of
India, especially in rural areas.

b. By 30th September, 2024 regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Goa have recorded
extraordinary surpluses, with Rajasthan alone seeing a 57% increase over average rainfall. Would the
surplus rainfall be beneficial? How?
Ans. Increased rainfall can boost agricultural production in rain-fed areas, improving crop yields and supporting the
livelihoods of farmers. For example, adequate water availability can ensure successful cultivation of water-intensive
crops like rice and sugarcane.
Surplus rainfall can help recharge groundwater aquifers, fill reservoirs, and increase the availability of water for
drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. This is particularly crucial in arid and semi-arid regions like Rajasthan
and Gujarat.

c. There have been regional imbalances in the rainfall received with several states having deficits:
Manipur (-30%), Bihar (-26%), Punjab (-23%), and Himanchal Pradesh (-21%). While the surplus is
beneficial for India’s overall water availability and agricultural output, states experiencing deficits may
continue to face difficulties. With the help of an example, explain what difficulties would these states
face?
Ans. Reduced Agricultural Yields: Insufficient rainfall directly impacts crop production. For example, in Punjab, a -
23% rainfall deficit can lead to decreased yields of water-intensive crops like rice, affecting the state's agricultural
output and the income of farmers
Water Scarcity: Lower rainfall leads to reduced water availability for both drinking and irrigation purposes. In Bihar, a
-26% deficit can strain water resources, making it difficult to meet the needs of the population and agricultural sector,
potentially leading to water rationing and conflicts over water usage.

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Economic Losses: The combined effect of reduced agricultural output and water scarcity can result in significant
economic losses for these states. For instance, in Himachal Pradesh, a -21% deficit can affect apple orchards, a key
component of the state's economy, leading to decreased revenue and increased financial strain on local communities.

d. Study the picture on the right. Briefly explain what could be the cause of this calamity and what could
be done to bring relief.

Ans. Natural disasters like floods or earthquakes can lead to significant destruction of infrastructure, displacement of
people, and loss of life. For example, floods can wash away homes and contaminate water supplies, while earthquakes
can cause buildings to collapse.
To bring relief, organizations can mobilize resources to provide essential needs. This includes distributing food and
clean water, setting up temporary shelters, and providing medical care to the injured. Additionally, coordination with
local authorities and agencies can ensure that assistance reaches those most affected efficiently.

Q13.a. On my visit to the queen of the hills, the city of Nainital, in the month of December, there was snowfall
and I stayed indoors. I was thrilled but also amazed as to why it occurred when it was cold winters.
i. What is the cause of the precipitation that occurs at Nainital?
Ans. Precipitation in the form of snow in Nainital occurs due to its high altitude and geographical location in the
Himalayan region. Cold winds and weather systems traveling from the northwest, often from higher latitudes like
Europe/Asia in winter, bring moisture-laden clouds. When these clouds reach the colder regions of the Himalayas, the
temperature drops significantly, causing the moisture in the clouds to freeze and fall as snow.

ii. Explain the phenomenon which leads to the given situation.

Ans. Altitude and Temperature: Nainital is located at an elevation of about 2,084 meters (6,837 feet) above sea
level. As altitude increases, temperature decreases due to lower pressure and density of air, making it conducive for
snowfall.
Western Disturbance: This is a weather phenomenon prevalent in the winter months in North India. Western
disturbances bring cold winds and moisture from the Mediterranean region. When they hit the Himalayas, the
orographic effect takes place, causing cooling and condensation, resulting in precipitation as snow in places like
Nainital.

b. At Lucknow, during the month of May, the hot dry season is characterized by a local wind, which increases
the temperature for the city and keeps all the people mostly indoors during the afternoon.
i. What type of local wind is discussed?
Ans. The hot and dry wind discussed is the ‘Loo’.

ii. How is it responsible for the given climate condition prevailing in the above mentioned city?
Ans. The Loo is a hot and dry wind that blows over norther India during the summer season. This wind originates
from western India, and as they cross over the Thar desert and Rajasthan, it absorbs the heat from the places and has a
temperature of 45⁰C-50⁰C. This causes heat stokes to people who are outside when this wind blows. Therefore people
of Lucknow stay indoors during May.

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