TEXT QUESTIONS :
1. Choose the correct alternative:
1) Which of the following places receives the highest rainfall in the world ?
a) Silchar
b) Cherrapunji
c) Mawsyrnam
d) Guwahati
2) The wind blowing in the northern plains in summer is known as __________ .
a) Kaal Baisakhi
b) Trade wind
c) Loo
d) None
3) Which of the following causes rainfall during winters in the North-Western part of India ?
a) Cyclonic depression
b) Retreating monsoon
c) Western disturbances
d) Southwest monsoon
4) Monsoon arrives in India approximately in _________ .
a) Early May
b) Early July
c) Early June
d) Early August
5) Which of the following characterizes the cold weather season in India ?
a) Warm days and warm nights
b) Warm days and cold nights
c) Cool days and cold nights
d) Cold days and warm nights
6) Winter rains are locally known as _______ .
a) Mahawat
b) Jet streams
c) Monsoon winds
d) Burst .
Ans:
1) (c) Mawsynram 2) (c) Loo 3) (c )Western Disturbances
4) (c) Early June 5) (b) Warm days and cold nights 6) (a) Mahawat .
2. Give reasons for the following :
1) The bulk of rainfall in India is concentrated over a few months .
Ans: The rainfall received by India is mainly due to the south-west monsoon winds. It is these winds that bring the rainfall. The duration of these monsoon winds is between 100 to 120 days. So the bulk of the rainfall in India is concentrated over a few months .
2) The Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall .
Ans: During the winter season north east trade winds blow over India. These winds blow from the sea to the land only in this region. So they carry moisture along with them. So this causes the rainfall
3) Temperature conditions in India vary from place to place .
Ans: Temperature conditions in India vary from place to place mainly because of the distance from the sea and the direction of the winds. It also depends on altitude and the curvature of the earth. Also pressure and winds are influenced by altitudes and latitudes which in turn changes the temperature .
4) Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western Ghats are drought-prone.
Ans: There is low rainfall on the leeward side of western ghats because these areas come under the rain shadow zone. As the Aravallis lie parallel to the flow of monsoons, the monsoons byepass Rajasthan and Gujarat unobstructed without providing any rainfall.Since there is less rainfall or no rainfall in these areas they are drought prone.
5) Goa enjoys a moderate climate .
Ans: Since Goa is a coastal state it has a maritime climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year. Being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea the climate is moderately warm and humid. There are no extremes in temperature .
3. Answer in brief :
1) What are Jet Streams ?
Ans: Jet Streams are the fast blowing westerly winds found in a narrow zone at high altitudes above 12,000 m in the troposphere .
2) What are the reasons behind the disasters like flood, cyclones, etc. along, the coastal regions of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh ?
Ans: Due to the effect of the retreating monsoon the low pressure conditions over north western India, get transferred to the Bay of Bengal by early November. This shift causes cyclonic depression which results in high velocity tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. These moisture laden winds then move westward to strike the Coromandel coast as the north east monsoons. This results in widespread damage to life and property through flood and high velocity whirling winds .
3) Why does Chennai receive more rains only after the fury of monsoons is over in most parts of the country ?
Ans: Chennai receives more rain in winter because during winter the North-East dry monsoon winds blow over the Bay of Bengal. As they pass over the Bay of Bengal they pick up the moisture. These moisture laden winds then move westwards to strike the Coromandel coast (Tamil Nadu).
4) What are the factors affecting the climate of India ?
Ans: The major factors affecting the climate are latitude, altitude, pressure and winds. The distance from the sea, ocean currents, physiography and location also play a great role .
5) Why does India have a monsoon type of climate ?
Ans : India has a monsoon type of climate as its climate is influenced by the monsoon winds. The monsoon type of climate is based on distinct season and the season of reversal of monsoon winds. This happens due to the differential heating of land and water bodies and pressure situations. When air moves from the high pressure area over the southern Indian Ocean, it crosses the equator and turns right to the low pressure situation over the Indian sub continent. These winds blow over the warm oceans, pick up moisture from them resulting in rainfall in India .
6) Why is monsoon considered a unifying bond ?
Ans: Monsoon is considered as a unifying bond since these monsoon winds unite the whole country by providing water for agricultural activities. Many festivals celebrated during the monsoons also unite the people. The unevenness in its distribution of temperature and rainfall also gives rise to a variety of flora and fauna. Monsoons feed the rivers which are our lifeline .
7) What are the factors controlling the climate of a region ?
Ans: The factors are :
(i) Latitude : As the earth is a geoid, the surface has a curvature. Hence, the sun’s rays do not fall equally over the earth’s surface. The amount of sunlight received at the equator is more than at the poles. As a result of the dip in the amount of sunshine, there is a decrease in temperature as one travel sand moves towards the poles. e.g. tropical and temperate countries .
(ii) Altitude : Secondly, as one moves towards higher altitudes from the sea level, the air density begins to decrease and due to this the temperature begins to drop making the climate cool for e.g. Hill Station .
(iii) Pressure and Winds : Latitude and altitude influence the pressure and winds, which in turn influences temperature. e.g. westerlies, easterlies and trade winds .
(iv) Distance from the sea : The sea moderates the climate of a region. Nearness to the sea makes the climate more equable while the distance from the sea makes the climate more extreme .
(v) The Ocean Currents : Along the shores influence the coastal climate. Eg. cold water and hot water ocean currents .
(vi) Physiography : Mountains may act as barriers or may block rain bearing clouds crossing over and influence precipitation. The Himalayas protect our country from the cold winds of the North and the Sahyadri mountain range blocks the monsoon clouds ( Orographic rain) and bring rains along the west coast of India .