Geography Climate Insights
Geography Climate Insights
2. Describe the main features of retreating monsoon under the following heads:
(a) Duration: October to November
(b) Pressure conditions: High pressure over Central Asia and low pressure over the Indian
subcontinent.
(c) Prevailing winds: Northeast winds
(d) Rainfall: Decreasing rainfall, especially in northern and central India.
3. Describe the main features of the cold weather season under the following heads:
(a) Duration: December to February
(b) Pressure conditions: High pressure over the Indian subcontinent and low pressure over the
Indian Ocean.
(c) Prevailing winds: Northeast trade winds
(d) Rainfall: Generally dry weather with occasional rainfall in some regions.
4. Describe the main features of the hot weather season under the following heads:
(a) Duration: March to May
(b) Pressure conditions: Low pressure over the Indian subcontinent and high pressure over the
Indian Ocean.
(c) Prevailing winds: Hot and dry winds, such as loo, blow in some regions.
(d) Rainfall: Scanty rainfall, mostly confined to the extreme north and northeast regions.
5. Describe the main features of the advancing monsoon under the following heads:
(a) Duration: June to September
(b) Pressure conditions: Low pressure over the Indian subcontinent and high pressure over the
Indian Ocean.
(c) Prevailing winds: Southwest winds
(d) Rainfall: Increasing rainfall, starting from the southwest coast and gradually covering the
entire country.
Extract 1:
Q.1. As a student of geography, provide the technical name of the season and its duration.
Season: Retreating Monsoon
Duration: Typically from October to December
Q.2. Apart from Chennai, which other two states/regions receive rainfall during the season.
Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh
Q.4. 'Chennai gets more rainfall in winter than in summer'. Give two reasons.
Chennai receives more rainfall in winter due to the influence of the northeast monsoon winds,
which bring moisture from the Bay of Bengal during this season.
The presence of cyclonic disturbances originating in the Bay of Bengal during the months of
retreating monsoon also contributes to increased rainfall in Chennai.
Extract 2:
Q.1. Identify the season. Mention its time duration and a feature too.
Season: Pre-Monsoon or Hot Weather Season
Time Duration: Second half of October
Feature: Occurrence of cyclonic depressions originating over the Andaman Sea
Q.2. Identify the type of cyclones mentioned in the newspaper report. Also, write two features of
these cyclones.
Type of Cyclones: Tropical Cyclones
Features:
i. Originating over the Andaman Sea
ii. Areas vulnerable to these storms include the coastal belts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and
Bangladesh.
Q.3. The cyclonic depressions bring rain all over India during this season. State whether it is True
or False by giving a reason.
False. The cyclonic depressions associated with the pre-monsoon season primarily bring rain to
specific regions, such as the eastern part of the Peninsula, rather than all over India.
Q.4. State the pressure conditions and the prevailing winds during the season.
Pressure Conditions: Low pressure over the Indian subcontinent
Prevailing Winds: Northeast trade winds
Extract 3:
Q.2. Why do North-East trade winds blow from land to sea during the season?
During this season, the landmass of India cools down faster than the surrounding ocean, creating
a relatively higher pressure over land. As a result, the northeast trade winds blow from land to sea.
Q.3. Name the months associated with the season identified by you.
The winter or cold weather season typically spans from December to February.
Q.4. Name a region of India which experiences low pressure during the described season.
The region of India that experiences low pressure during the dry weather season is the Indian
subcontinent itself.
G. Board Questions
1. How are the sources of rainfall in the North-West part of India different from the rainfall experienced
on the coastal area of Eastern India in winter?
In the North-West part of India, rainfall is primarily influenced by the western disturbances originating
over the Mediterranean region. These disturbances bring winter rainfall to regions like Punjab, Haryana,
Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
On the other hand, the coastal area of Eastern India receives rainfall during winter from the
northeast monsoon winds originating over the Bay of Bengal.
4. A cricket match at Chennai (Madras) from October 24 to 28 had to be abandoned because bad
weather all through. As a student of Geography provide an explanation for this happening. Make sure
that your explanation provides the technical name of this season in India, the atmospheric pressure
conditions over the Bay of Bengal during this part of the year, and the typical regime experienced in
Chennai (Madras) city.
The cricket match was likely abandoned due to the influence of the Northeast Monsoon during the
Retreating Monsoon, which brings heavy rainfall to Chennai during October. During this season, there is
low atmospheric pressure over the Bay of Bengal, leading to the formation of cyclonic depressions and
widespread rainfall along the eastern coast of India. Chennai experiences frequent spells of rain and
thunderstorms during this period, making it unsuitable for outdoor activities.
5. (a) Name the seasons during which the North-East Trade Winds dominate the Indian subcontinent.
The North-East Trade Winds dominate the Indian subcontinent during the winter season, from December
to February.
Geography Answer Key Ch 07
(b) In which season do the above-mentioned winds get completely reversed? Name the four months
covered by this season.
The North-East Trade Winds get completely reversed during the summer season. The four months
covered by this season are March, April, May, and June.
6. Which winds are responsible for the rainfall experienced over the greater part of the Indian
subcontinent during which months this is experienced?
The Southwest Monsoon winds are responsible for the rainfall experienced over the greater part of the
Indian subcontinent. This rainfall occurs primarily during the months of June to September.
10. What is the cause of winter showers in Western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab?
Winter showers in Western Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are primarily caused by western disturbances,
which are temperate cyclones originating over the Mediterranean region and bring rains to these regions
during winter.
11. Give one reason to justify that the Himalayas act as a climatic divide.
The Himalayas act as a climatic divide because they block the cold, dry winds from Central Asia,
preventing them from reaching the Indian subcontinent. This results in a significant difference in climate
between the regions lying to the north and south of the Himalayas.
13. Why are there great variations in the climate of the Indian subcontinent?
Geography Answer Key Ch 07
The variations in climate across the Indian subcontinent are primarily due to its diverse geographical
features, including its vast size, varied relief, and proximity to different water bodies such as the Arabian
Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. These factors influence temperature, humidity, winds and
precipitation patterns, leading to the wide range of climates observed across the subcontinent.
14. Name any two local winds which blow in India and write briefly about each.
i. Loo: Loo is a hot and dry wind that blows over the Indo-Gangetic Plains during the summer months,
particularly in regions like North India and Pakistan. It brings high temperatures and dry conditions, making
the weather oppressive.
ii. Kal Baisakhi: Kal Baisakhi are local winds blowing in Bengal accompanied by thunderstorms and bring
rainfall in the month of April-May.
15. Which parallel of latitude divides India into the northern and southern halves?
The Tropic of Cancer, located approximately at 23.5 degrees north latitude, divides India into its
northern and southern halves.
16. Name the places in India which receive the highest rainfall.
The places in India that receive the highest rainfall include:
i. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya, which are known as the wettest places on earth.
ii. The western slopes of the Western Ghats and southern parts of Kerala also receives heavy rainfall.
19. Give two reasons why Jaipur has a higher annual range of temperature than Mumbai.
i. Jaipur experiences a continental climate with extreme temperature variations between summer and
winter, whereas Mumbai has a maritime climate with relatively milder temperature fluctuations.
ii. Jaipur is located inland, away from the moderating influence of the sea, leading to more significant
temperature variations throughout the year compared to coastal Mumbai.
22. Mumbai receives rainfall in the summer while Chennai receives rainfall from October to December.
Why?
Mumbai receives rainfall in the summer due to the influence of the southwest monsoon winds, which
bring moisture-laden air from the Arabian Sea to the west coast of India. Chennai receives rainfall from
October to December due to the northeast monsoon winds, which bring moisture from the Bay of Bengal
to the eastern coast of India during this period.
23. Mention the climatic conditions which prevail over Kerala and Uttar Pradesh in the month of June.
In June, Kerala experiences the onset of the southwest monsoon, characterized by heavy rainfall and
high humidity. Uttar Pradesh, on the other hand, experiences hot and dry conditions with occasional pre-
monsoon showers, as the monsoon typically reaches this region later in June or early July.
(iii) The latitudinal extent of India is responsible for the variation in the climatic conditions which prevail
in the country.
The latitudinal extent of India, spanning from the tropics to the subtropics, results in varying climatic
conditions across the country. Regions closer to the equator experience a tropical climate with high
temperatures and abundant rainfall, while regions farther north or south experience subtropical or
temperate climates with milder temperatures and distinct seasons.
25. (a) State the climatic significance of the Himalayas to the people of South Asia.
The Himalayas act as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia, protecting the Indian subcontinent from
extreme cold. They also influence the monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall in the foothills and creating
diverse ecosystems that support agriculture and biodiversity.
(ii) It is cooler on the mountain slopes than in the plains during summer.
Cooler temperatures on mountain slopes during summer are due to higher elevation, which results in
lower atmospheric pressure and decreased temperatures. Additionally, mountain slopes receive less direct
sunlight due to angle of incidence, leading to cooler conditions.
Geography Answer Key Ch 07
(iii) Mumbai is warmer than Kanpur in December.
Mumbai's maritime climate moderates temperatures, keeping winters relatively warmer compared to
Kanpur, which experiences continental climate conditions and cooler temperatures in winter.
26. (a) Name the source of winter rain in Tamil Nadu. How does Tamil Nadu benefit from it?
The source of winter rain in Tamil Nadu is the northeast monsoon . Tamil Nadu benefits from this
rainfall as it replenishes water sources, supports agriculture, and fills reservoirs before the onset of
summer.
(ii) The Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest Monsoon does not shed any moisture in Western
Rajasthan.
Western Rajasthan lies in the rain shadow region of the Aravalli Range, blocking moisture-laden winds
from the Arabian Sea, resulting in minimal rainfall.
(c) Study the climatic data provided below and answer the questions that follow:
(i) Calculate the annual range of temperature of Station A. Suggest a reason why the range is a small
one.
Station A (sea level)
Annual Range of Temperature:
Annual Range = Maximum Temperature Minimum Temperature
Annual Range = 30.0°C - 24.4°C
Annual Range = 5.6°C
Reason for small range: Proximity to the sea moderating influence.
(ii) Which of the two Stations has the lower temperature? Why?
Station B has lower temperatures as it is located at a higher elevation, which typically experiences
cooler temperatures compared to sea level areas.
27. (a) Give two important characteristics of the summer monsoon rainfall in India.
i. Seasonal reversal of winds, bringing heavy rainfall.
ii. Crucial for agriculture, supporting the cultivation of crops.
(b) 'Rainfall in India is orographic in nature. Give an example with reference to the distribution of rainfall
and the effect of relief on its distribution.
Example: The Western Ghats block moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, causing orographic
rainfall on the windward side (western slopes), leading to heavy rainfall in regions like Kerala and coastal
Karnataka. The leeward side (eastern slopes) experiences a rain shadow effect, receiving less rainfall.
(d) Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow:
(i) Name the driest month.
March
(ii) Calculate the annual rainfall experienced by the station.
Annual rainfall = Sum of monthly rainfall
Annual rainfall = 4.6 + 1.8 + 1.3 + 1.8 + 3.8 + 4.5 + 8.7 + 11.3 + 11.9 + 30.6 + 35.0 + 13.9
Annual rainfall = 138.2 cm
(iii) What is the annual range of temperature?
Annual range of temperature = Maximum temperature - Minimum temperature
Annual range = 32.5°C - 24.5°C
Annual range = 8°C
29. (a) (1) Name the type of climate prevailing over India.
Tropical Monsoon Climate
30. (a) Name two types of cyclonic systems that affect India and two areas that receive rainfall from
these systems.
Tropical cyclones (Bay of Bengal) and temperate cyclones (Western disturbances affecting northern
India).
(d) Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow:
(i) Calculate the annual rainfall experienced by the station:
Total annual rainfall = Sum of monthly rainfall
Total annual rainfall = 15.3 + 10.1 + 0.3 + 0.1 + 1.3 + 4.5 + 6.1 + 10.2 + 10.5 + 20.1 + 16.8 + 19.0
Total annual rainfall = 114.3 cm
(ii) Suggest a name of this station, giving a reason for your answer.
The name of the station is Tamil Nadu as the temperature remains moderate throughout the year and the
rainfall is heaviest during the beginning of the winter season.
(iv) Does the station have a maritime or a continental climate? Give a reason for your answer.
The station likely has a maritime climate due to the moderate temperatures and relatively high rainfall
throughout the year. Maritime climates are characterized by the influence of nearby bodies of water,
which help moderate temperature extremes and contribute to consistent precipitation.
Geography Answer Key Ch 07
31. (a) Different sources of rain in Punjab and Tamil Nadu during the winter season:
Punjab: Rainfall primarily from western disturbances originating in the Mediterranean region.
Tamil Nadu: Rainfall mainly from the northeast monsoon, originating from the Bay of Bengal.
(b) Benefits derived from the local winds that blow in summer:
i. Kerala: Refreshing sea breeze provides relief from the scorching heat, making the climate more
bearable.
ii. Bengal: The southwest monsoon winds bring moisture from the Bay of Bengal, ensuring adequate
rainfall essential for agriculture and water resources.
(d) Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow:
(i) Calculate the annual temperature range.
Annual temperature range = Maximum temperature Minimum temperature
Annual temperature range = 36.2°C - 24.5°C
Annual temperature range = 11.7°C
(iii) Presuming that the station is located in India, give a reason for its location being on the east coast or
the west coast of India.
It might be located on the east coast of India as most of the rainfall is received in the winter months.
32. (a) Explain two factors that affect the climate of India giving a suitable example for each.
Factors affecting the climate of India:
i. Monsoon Winds: The seasonal reversal of winds, particularly the southwest and
northeast monsoons, significantly influences India's climate. For example, during the
summer months (June to September), the southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall
to most parts of India, while during the winter months (December to February), the
northeast monsoon primarily affects the southeastern coast, bringing rainfall to
Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh.
ii. Relief Features: The diverse relief features of India, such as mountains, plains,
plateaus, and coastlines, play a crucial role in shaping its climate. For instance, the
Himalayas act as a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia, resulting in relatively
milder temperatures in northern India. Similarly, the Western Ghats influence the
Geography Answer Key Ch 07
distribution of rainfall, causing orographic rainfall along the windward slopes and
creating rain shadow areas on the leeward side.
(b) Differences between the rainfalls from June to September and from December to February in North
India.
Factors Rainfall from June to September Rainfall from December to February
Intensity and Distribution More intense and widespread, Generally lighter and limited mainly
covering most parts of North India to the northern plains and foothills
of the Himalayas
Causes Primarily due to the southwest Mainly attributed to western
monsoon winds, bringing moisture disturbances originating from the
from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Mediterranean region and the
Bengal northeast monsoon winds affecting
the southeastern coast
(d) Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow:
(i) Identify the hottest month.
May is the hottest month.
(iii) Name the winds that bring the maximum rainfall to this city.
The cyclonic depressions during the retreating monsoons bring the maximum rainfall to this city.
33. (a) What is the name given to the climate of India ? Mention any two factors responsible for
such a type of climate.
The climate of India is known as the Monsoon Climate. Two factors responsible for this type of climate are:
i. Influence of Monsoon Winds: India's climate is greatly influenced by the seasonal reversal of winds
known as the monsoon winds. These winds bring heavy rainfall during the summer season.
ii. Geographic Location: India is located right on the Tropic of Cancer with northern half lying in sub-
tropical zone and southern parts lying in the tropical zone.
(ii) Kochi is warmer than Mumbai even though both lie on the western coast of India.
Kochi is warmer than Mumbai despite both being on the western coast because Kochi is closer to the
equator, experiencing higher temperatures.
(iii) The Ganga Plain gets the monsoon rain much later than the west coast of India.
The Ganga Plain gets the monsoon rain much later than the west coast of India due to its distance from the
Arabian Sea, which delays the arrival of monsoon winds.
(d) Study the climatic data of station x given below and answer the questions that follow:
(i) Calculate the total annual rainfall experienced by the station.
Annual rainfall = Sum of rainfall in all twelve months Therefore, annual rainfall is 128.7 cm.
(iii) On which coast of India does the station lie? Give a reason for your answer.
The station lies on the south-eastern coast of India (Tamil Nadu) as the station receives maximum rainfall
from the retreating monsoon.
b.
(i) The Kalbaisakhi in Assam benefits agriculture by replenishing soil moisture and providing water for
crops.
(ii) Mango showers benefit Karnataka's mango orchards by providing the necessary moisture for the
flowering and fruiting of mango trees.
c.
(i) Kolkata receives heavier rain than Lucknow due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal, which enhances
moisture availability and leads to higher rainfall.
Geography Answer Key Ch 07
(ii) The Summer Monsoon winds blow over the Arabian Sea from the Southwest, carrying moisture-laden
air to the western coast of India, including Mumbai.
(iii) Jaipur has a higher annual range of temperature than Mumbai due to its inland location, experiencing
greater temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
d. i)
Annual Temperature Range = Maximum Temperature - Minimum Temperature
For the given data:
Maximum Temperature = 36.2°C (June)
Minimum Temperature = 12.0°C (January)
Annual Temperature Range = 36.2°C - 12.0°C = 24.2°C
ii)
Total Annual Rainfall = Sum of Monthly Rainfall Values
Total Annual Rainfall = 1.5 + 0.1 + 0.0 + 1.4 + 1.1 + 21.0 + 25.3 + 27.2 + 24.0 + 9.4 + 1.5 + 0.4 = 113.9 cm
iii)
It would be correct to presume that the station lies in the interior rather than on the coast because of the
following reasons:
i. The station experiences lower rainfall compared to coastal areas.
ii. The temperature fluctuations between seasons are relatively high, indicating an inland location
where the influence of maritime climates is lesser.
d.
Summer Monsoon Season Retreating Monsoon Season
i. Lasts June to September i. Lasts October to November
ii. Temperature begins to fall. ii. Temperature begin to rise
iii. Strong low pressure over northwest of India. iii. Weak low pressure trough over India.
iv. Summer monsoon season is characterized by iv. Retreating monsoon season experiences a
heavy rainfall gradual decrease in rainfall.
v. Summer monsoon season brings relief from v. Retreating monsoon season marks the
the scorching heat withdrawal of monsoon rains, leading to dry
weather.