Chapter 5.4- Climate of India

WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 5.4: Climate of India

Content Structure

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs)
2. Very short-type questions and answers
- 2A. Fill in the blanks
- 2B. True or false
- 2C. Very short-type questions and answers
3. Short-type questions and answers
4. Analytical questions and answers
5. Explanatory questions and answers

1. Multiple choice questions and answers (MCQs) [1 mark each]

1. By what other name is the retreating monsoon known in India?
a) Advancing monsoon
b) Northeast monsoon
c) Southwest monsoon
d) Summer monsoon

Ans: b) Northeast monsoon

2. Which type of climate prevails in India?
a) Equatorial climate
b) Desert climate
c) Tropical monsoon climate
d) Mediterranean climate

Ans: c) Tropical monsoon climate

3. What does the term “break of monsoon” refer to in India?
a) The beginning of monsoon
b) The complete withdrawal of monsoon
c) A temporary pause in rainfall
d) Continuous heavy rainfall

Ans: c) A temporary pause in rainfall

4. Which wind is responsible for bringing the maximum rainfall in India?
a) Northeast monsoon
b) Trade winds
c) Southwest monsoon
d) Westerlies

Ans: c) Southwest monsoon

5. Which region of India receives rainfall twice a year?
a) Rajasthan
b) Punjab
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Ladakh

Ans: c) Tamil Nadu

6. Kalbaisakhi thunderstorm mainly occurs during which season in India?
a) Winter season
b) Summer season
c) Monsoon season
d) Retreating monsoon season

Ans: b) Summer season

7. Which place in India receives the highest annual rainfall?
a) Cherrapunji
b) Mawsynram
c) Mumbai
d) Kolkata

Ans: b) Mawsynram

8. During which season do mango showers occur in India?
a) Winter season
b) Summer season
c) Monsoon season
d) Autumn season

Ans: b) Summer season

9. What type of wind is known as loo in India?
a) Cold and moist wind
b) Dust storm
c) Hot and dry wind
d) Cyclonic wind

Ans: c) Hot and dry wind

10. Which jet stream mainly influences the summer monsoon in India?
a) Westerly jet stream
b) Easterly jet stream
c) Polar jet stream
d) Subtropical jet stream

Ans: b) Easterly jet stream

2. Very short-type questions and answers

2A. Fill in the blanks [1 mark each]

1. India experiences a __________ type of climate. (Tropical monsoon climate)
2. The __________ monsoon winds bring maximum rainfall in India. (Southwest)
3. The pre-monsoon thunderstorm in West Bengal is called __________. (Kalbaisakhi)
4. The place receiving the highest rainfall in India is __________. (Mawsynram)
5. __________ winds blow over India during the winter season. (Northeast trade winds)
6. The retreating monsoon is also known as the __________ monsoon. (Northeast monsoon)
7. The temporary pause in rainfall during monsoon is called __________. (Break of monsoon)
8. The Ladakh region has a __________ climate. (cold desert)
9. The rain shadow region lies on the __________ side of the Western Ghats. (leeward)
10. El Niño originates in the __________ Ocean. (Pacific Ocean)

2B. True or false [1 mark each]

1. India has an equatorial type of climate. (False)
2. The southwest monsoon brings most of the rainfall in India. (True)
3. The Thar Desert receives heavy rainfall. (False)
4. Aandhi is a dust storm that occurs during summer. (True)
5. Break of monsoon means continuous heavy rainfall. (False)
6. The Himalayas act as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia. (True)
7. Ladakh has a tropical climate. (False)
8. The Deccan Plateau is a rain shadow region. (True)
9. The retreating monsoon occurs after the southwest monsoon. (True)
10. Drought occurs due to insufficient rainfall. (True)

2C. Very short-type questions and answers [1 mark each]

1. Which season is mostly influenced by the Easterly jet?
Ans: The summer monsoon season is mostly influenced by the Easterly jet.

2. What kind of climate prevails in India?
Ans: India experiences a tropical monsoon climate.

3. Where does the El Niño originate?
Ans: El Niño originates in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.

4. Which region in India receives rainfall twice a year?
Ans: The Coromandel Coast of Tamil Nadu receives rainfall twice a year.

5. Which is the hottest month in India?
Ans: May is the hottest month in India.

6. Which region in India receives very less rainfall?
Ans: The Thar Desert region in Rajasthan receives very little rainfall.

7. Which winds cause maximum rainfall in India?
Ans: The southwest monsoon winds cause maximum rainfall in India.

8. Which place in India receives the highest rainfall?
Ans: Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest rainfall in India.

9. Which season is mostly influenced by the Western Disturbances?
Ans: The winter season is mostly influenced by Western Disturbances.

3. Short-type questions and answers [2 marks each]

1. What is burst of monsoon?
Ans: The burst of monsoon refers to the sudden and dramatic onset of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunder in the early monsoon season. It generally occurs in early June over Kerala and gradually advances northward. This marks the beginning of the rainy season in India.

2. Which regions receive rainfall in winter in India?
Ans: The north-western regions of India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh, receive rainfall in winter due to Western Disturbances. These disturbances originate in the Mediterranean region and bring light to moderate rainfall. In addition, Tamil Nadu and the Coromandel Coast receive rainfall from the northeast monsoon winds during winter. This rainfall is very beneficial for rabi crops like wheat and mustard.

3. Name two states receiving snowfall in winter.
Ans: Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh receive snowfall in winter. Snowfall occurs due to Western Disturbances combined with very low temperatures in the Himalayan region. It is important for maintaining river flow and water supply.

4. Name some regions receiving scanty rainfall in India.
Ans: Regions receiving scanty rainfall include the Thar Desert of Rajasthan, the Ladakh plateau, and the rain shadow regions of the Deccan Plateau such as parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. These areas generally receive less than 50 cm of annual rainfall due to their distance from the sea or obstruction by mountain ranges.

5. What is drought?
Ans: Drought is a condition when an area experiences a prolonged period of very low or no rainfall, leading to severe water shortage. It causes crop failure, scarcity of drinking water, and economic losses. Drought mainly affects arid and semi-arid regions of India.

6. What is climatic regions?
Ans: Climatic regions are areas that experience similar climatic conditions over a long period of time, including temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind patterns. These regions are identified based on long-term weather data. In India, climatic regions are mainly influenced by the monsoon system, which results in variations across the country.

7. What are mango showers?
Ans: Mango showers are pre-monsoon rainfall that occur in the southern states of India, especially Kerala and Karnataka, during April and May. These showers help in the early ripening of mangoes and coffee blossoms, and are therefore very important for agriculture.

8. Write a short note on Western Disturbances.
Ans: Western Disturbances are temperate cyclones that originate in the Mediterranean region and move eastwards towards India. They bring winter rainfall to north-western plains and snowfall in the Himalayas. These disturbances are important for rabi crops, but sometimes cause storms and damage.

9. Why is monsoon wind unpredictable in nature?
Ans: Monsoon winds are unpredictable because they depend on several complex and changing factors, such as differences in temperature and pressure between land and sea, movement of jet streams, and oceanic conditions like El Niño. These factors vary every year, leading to irregular timing, intensity, and distribution of rainfall.

4. Analytical questions and answers [3 marks each]

1. Why are flood and drought prevalent in India?
Ans: Floods and droughts are common in India due to the irregular distribution of monsoon rainfall. Some regions receive excessive rainfall, causing rivers to overflow and create floods. On the other hand, some areas receive very little rainfall, leading to drought conditions. The dependence on monsoon rainfall makes India highly vulnerable to these extremes.

2. Why is India known as the land of a variety of climates?
Ans: India is known as the land of a variety of climates due to its large size and diverse physical features. Differences in latitude, altitude, and distance from the sea create varied climatic conditions. The presence of mountains, plains, deserts, and coastal regions leads to great climatic diversity.

3. Which regions of India receive excessive rainfall and why?
Ans: The regions receiving excessive rainfall in India include the Western Ghats, the northeastern states like Assam and Meghalaya, and coastal regions. These areas receive heavy rainfall due to the moisture-laden south-west monsoon winds. The Western Ghats and hills of Meghalaya force the winds to rise, causing orographic rainfall.

4. What are the causes of formation of the Thar Desert?
Ans: The Thar Desert has formed due to several factors. The Aravalli Range runs parallel to the monsoon winds and does not block them, resulting in low rainfall. The region is far from the sea, leading to a continental climate. High temperature and evaporation also reduce moisture, causing desert conditions.

5. Why is India called the country of monsoon climate?
Ans: India is called the country of monsoon climate because its climate is mainly influenced by the monsoon winds. The seasonal reversal of winds brings rainfall during the south-west monsoon season and dry conditions during other seasons. The amount and distribution of rainfall depend largely on these monsoon winds. Thus, India’s climate is best described as a monsoon type climate.

6. How can flood and drought be controlled in India?
Ans: Floods and droughts can be controlled by proper water management. Construction of dams and reservoirs helps store excess water. Rainwater harvesting and afforestation help conserve water. Improved irrigation facilities and flood control measures reduce the impact of these natural disasters.

7. Discuss the characteristic features of monsoon climate in India.
Ans: The monsoon climate of India is marked by seasonal reversal of winds. There are distinct seasons such as summer, rainy, and winter seasons. Rainfall is unevenly distributed, with some areas receiving heavy rainfall and others very little. The climate shows great regional variation due to factors like relief, latitude, and distance from the sea.

5. Explanatory questions and answers [5 marks each]

1. Explain the influence of monsoon on the climate of India.
Ans: The climate of India is greatly influenced by the seasonal reversal of winds known as monsoon winds. The southwest monsoon brings about 75–80% of the annual rainfall in India, making it the most important factor for agriculture, water supply, and the economy, as it supports the cultivation of crops like rice, cotton, and sugarcane. The monsoon also provides relief from extreme summer heat by lowering temperatures and increasing humidity. It plays a vital role in maintaining rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater levels, which are essential for irrigation and drinking water, and it also supports natural vegetation and biodiversity. However, the irregular and uncertain nature of monsoon rainfall can cause floods in India when rainfall is excessive and drought in India when it is deficient. Moreover, the uneven distribution of rainfall creates regional climatic variations, such as heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats and northeastern India and scanty rainfall in the Thar Desert. The arrival and withdrawal of the monsoon determine the seasonal cycle of India and influence temperature, humidity, and overall weather conditions. Thus, India is rightly called a monsoon-type climate country due to the dominant role of monsoon winds.

2. Discuss the influence of south-west monsoon in India.
Ans: The south-west monsoon in India has a major influence on the country’s climate, agriculture, and economy:

Seasonal cycle in India: The arrival and withdrawal of the southwest monsoon determine the beginning and end of the rainy season, influencing the overall climate pattern of India.
Rainfall in India: The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall from June to September, accounting for about 75–80% of the total annual rainfall and covering most parts of India.
Agriculture in India: This rainfall is essential for farming and supports kharif crops like rice, maize, and cotton, making agriculture highly dependent on the monsoon.
Water resources in India: The monsoon helps in recharging groundwater, filling rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which are crucial for irrigation and drinking water supply.
Temperature control: It reduces extreme summer heat by lowering temperatures and increasing humidity, thereby creating a cooler and more comfortable climate.
Natural vegetation and biodiversity: Monsoon rainfall supports the growth of forests, grasslands, and wildlife, helping to maintain ecological balance in India.
Economic importance: A good monsoon leads to higher agricultural production, stable food supply, and economic growth, while a weak monsoon can negatively affect the economy.
Floods and natural disasters: Excessive monsoon rainfall can cause floods, landslides, and soil erosion, leading to damage to life, property, and infrastructure.
Drought conditions: When the monsoon arrives late or remains weak, it results in drought, crop failure, and severe water scarcity in many regions.
Regional variation in rainfall: The monsoon does not distribute rainfall evenly, leading to heavy rainfall in areas like the Western Ghats and northeastern India, while regions like the Thar Desert receive very little rainfall.

3. Discuss the climatic conditions in different seasons in India.
Ans: India has a tropical monsoon climate characterized by four distinct seasons: winter season, summer season, southwest monsoon season, and retreating monsoon season.

During the winter season (December to February), temperatures remain low, especially in North India, while South India experiences a moderate climate. The weather is generally dry, cool, and pleasant, with occasional rainfall due to Western Disturbances.
The summer season (March to May) is marked by high temperature in India, particularly in the northern plains and desert regions. Hot winds such as loo blow during this period, making it extremely hot and dry.
The southwest monsoon season (June to September) is the main rainy season in India. The monsoon winds bring heavy rainfall across most parts of the country, which is crucial for Indian agriculture and water resources.
The retreating monsoon season (October to November) marks the withdrawal of monsoon winds. During this time, rainfall occurs mainly on the Coromandel Coast (Tamil Nadu) due to northeast monsoon winds.

4. Discuss the factors that control the climate of India.
Ans: The climate of India is controlled by several important geographical and atmospheric factors:

Ocean currents and pressure systems: These factors affect humidity, temperature, and rainfall patterns across different regions of India.
Latitude in India: India lies between tropical and subtropical regions, which influences temperature distribution and results in a tropical monsoon climate.
Altitude in India: Higher regions like the Himalayas experience a cold climate, while the plains have a warmer climate due to lower elevation.
Distance from the sea: Coastal areas of India have a moderate maritime climate, whereas interior regions experience extreme continental climate conditions.
Relief features of India: The Himalayas act as a natural barrier, blocking cold winds from Central Asia and influencing rainfall patterns in India.
Monsoon winds in India: Monsoon winds are the most important factor controlling rainfall distribution and seasonal climate changes in India.
Jet streams in India: Jet streams influence the onset, intensity, and withdrawal of the Indian monsoon.