WBBSE Solutions For Class 10 Geography Chapter 5 India-Physical Environment Topic 4 Climate Of India

Chapter 5 India-Physical Environment Topic 4 Climate Of India Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Discuss the climatic conditions in different seasons in India.
Answer:

The climatic conditions in different seasons in India

The climate of India can be classified into four seasons depending on the temperature, rainfall, atmospheric pressure, and wind direction prevailing over a time period,

1. Winter season (December-February):

1. During this time the sun’s rays fall at a high angle in the southern hemisphere. The northern hemisphere receives slanting rays from the sun, whose angle of incidence is low.

2. The dry and cold winds generated from the high-pressure regions of Central Asia blow over India are northeast monsoon winds. These winds move towards the low-pressure regions over the Indian Ocean.

3. The average temperature in northern India remains about 10°-15°C. The temperature gradually increases towards the south and reaches about 25°C in Tamil Nadu.

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4. Rainfall is caused in the northern and north-western regions due to Western disturbances.
The coastal regions of Tamil Nadu also receive rainfall due to the northeast monsoon winds. The rest of the country generally remains dry.

2. Summer season (March-May):

1. During this season with the gradual movement of the sun towards the north the sun’s rays fall at a high angle in the northern hemisphere. As a result from March onwards, the temperature of India starts rising.

2. By the month of May, the sun’s rays fall almost vertically over the Tropic of Cancer. Thus, the temperature of the northern hemisphere rises considerably. The average temperature of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat rises to 38°-40 °C. The temperature in the desert region of Rajasthan reaches about 48 °C.

3. The hot dry wind called ‘Loo’ is experienced in the northwestern part of India due to very high temperatures.

4. Low-pressure cells develop over many regions, which leads to the generation of tropical storms. These storms are locally known as ‘Kalbaisakhi’ in West Bengal, ‘Aandhi’ in Uttar Pradesh, ‘Bordoichila’ in Assam, ‘Mango showers’ in Kerala and ‘Cherry Blossoms’ in Karnataka.

5. These storms and associated rainfall may suddenly reduce the temperature by 7-8 °C.

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3. Rainy season or the monsoon season (June-September): The deep low-pressure cells created over the landmass of India during summer, attract the moist southwest monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean. These winds bifurcate into two branches before entering India—

1. The Arabian Sea branch: This branch of the southwest monsoon, collects a huge amount of moisture from the Arabian Sea and moves towards the Indian landmass.

They are obstructed by the Western Ghats, where they provide profuse rainfall on the western slopes. The eastern slopes lie on the leeward side of the Western Ghats and hence receive less rainfall. This turns the western part of the Deccan plateau into a rain shadow area.

 

WBBSE Solutions Class 10 geography and environment chapter Chapter 5 India Physical Environment Retreat of south-west monsoon winds

2. The Bay of Bengal branch: This branch of the southwest monsoon winds collects large amounts of moisture from the Bay of Bengal and enters India from the eastern side.

They are obstructed by the Eastern Himalayas and the hilly region of the northeast. There they provide huge amounts of rainfall.

Mawsynram situated on the southern slope of the Khasi hills of Meghalaya receive the highest rainfall in the world (1187 cm). These winds gradually move westward and provide rainfall in Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other states of northwestern India.

4. Autumn season or the season of retreating monsoon (October- November): During this time the sum apparently starts shifting southwards beyond the equator. Thus, the high-pressure condition develops over landmass in the northern hemisphere and the low-pressure condition develops over the Indian Ocean.

The retreat of the monsoon winds sometimes causes tropical cyclones and sudden rainfall in the eastern coastal regions of India. In West Bengal, the cyclonic storm is locally known as ‘Ashwiner Jhor’.

WBBSE Solutions Class 10 geography and environment chapter Chapter 5 India Physical Environment onset of south west monsoon winds

“WBBSE Class 10 Geography Chapter 5 Climate notes”

Question 2. Explain the influence of monsoons on the climate of India.OR, Discuss the characteristics of the seasons of India as influenced by the monsoon winds.
Answer:

The influence of monsoons on the climate of India

The climate of India is strongly influenced by the monsoon winds. The southwest monsoon winds blow during the summer and the northeast monsoon winds blow during the winter.

1. Influence of the southwest monsoon:

1. During summer, the southwest monsoon winds originate over the Indian Ocean and blow towards the low-pressure cell developed over the northwestern region of India.

2. These moisture-laden winds help to set in the rainy season in the country.

3. India receives about 67-72% of its total annual rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. Rainfall occurs in profuse amounts in Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Eastern Himalayan region, Terai region, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

2. Influence of the north-east monsoon:

1. During winter, the cold dry winds blow from the high-pressure regions of Central Asia towards the low-pressure cell developed over the Indian Ocean.

2. These winds lower the air temperatures to a great extent. Temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and other northern states fall as low as -10° to -40 °C. 0 The winds being very cold, have very less capable of holding moisture. Thus, they cause no rainfall.

Power in India to a great extent dependent on monsoon rains. If there is insufficient rainfall the reservoirs remain full of water, which helps in hydroelectric power generation.

WBBSE Solutions Class 10 geography and environment chapter Chapter 5 India Physical Environment Summer and winter

3. Unpredictable onset and retreat of monsoon: The before-time arrival or late retreat of the southwest monsoon results in a longer rainy season. This may lead to floods. On the other hand, late arrival or early retreat of the monsoons leads to a shorter rainy season. This may cause the soil to dry up and bead to droughts.

4. Seasons according to the monsoon winds: The climate of India can be classified into four seasons depending on the arrival and retreat of the monsoon winds.

They are-

1. Pre-arrival period of southwest monsoon or the summer season.
2. Season of southwest monsoon or the rainy season.
3. Retreat of the southwest monsoon, or the autumn season.
4. Onset of north-east monsoon, or the winter season.

Question 3. Discuss the influence of the southwest monsoons on India.
Answer:

The influence of the southwest monsoons on India

1. The positive influences of the southwest monsoon winds on India are-

1. Influence on climate: India mostly lies in the tropical-subtropical region, which is very hot. But the southwest monsoon winds provide sufficient rainfall to the landmass, which helps to reduce the general temperature conditions. Hence, India enjoys a hot and humid climate.

2. Influence on irrigation: Water for irrigation also depends upon the availability of water from the dams and reservoirs. In years of sufficient rainfall the area covered by irrigation increases or vice versa. In years of insufficient rainfall, the height of the underground water table falls leading to a shortage of water in the wells, tanks, and tube wells.

3. Influence on hydroelectric power generation: Generation of hydroelectric monsoon rains. If there is insufficient rainfall the reservoirs remain full of water, which helps in hydroelectric power generation.

3. Influence on agriculture: India is an agro-based country. About 70% of India’s population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. The southwest monsoon winds provide sufficient rainfall for agriculture to be conducted properly. The crop calendar of India is dependent on the monsoon rainfall.

4. Influence on agro-based industries: The agro-based industries of India, like cotton textile, sugar, jute textile, tea and coffee, etc. are influenced by the southwest monsoon. The raw materials of these industries are dependent on the rainfall provided by the southwest monsoon.

5. Influence on forests: The forests or natural vegetation are directly related to the climate of a place. The distribution of rainfall in India decides the types of forests found in different regions of India.

6. Influence on the economy: Agriculture, industrial development, the lifestyle of the people, etc. are dependent on the southwest monsoon winds and the rainfall they provide. In general, the whole economy of the country is influenced by the monsoon winds.

2. The negative influences of the south-west monsoon winds are-

1. Floods and droughts: The whimsical and unpredictable nature of the southwest monsoon winds often bring hazards in India. Early onset and late retreat of the monsoon winds bring in too much rainfall and may cause floods. On the other hand, late arrival and early retreat of monsoon winds may cause droughts due to less rainfall.

2. Expensive irrigation system: Agriculture is dependent on the rainfall provided by the southwest monsoon. But the whimsical nature of the monsoon winds may lead to crop failures. Hence, irrigation facilities have to be arranged to assure the yield of crops. This is very expensive and needs a lot of maintenance.

3. Crop failures and loss of life and property: Frequent floods and droughts in India often cause crop failures and result in loss of life and property. Often food grains, pulses, oilseeds, and other crops have to be imported to meet the demands of the country. This imposes a negative effect on the economy of the country.

Question 4. Discuss any three factors that control the climate of India. OR, Discuss the factors that control the climate of India.
Answer:

The factors that control the climate of India are as follows-

1. Monsoon winds: The climate of India is influenced by two opposite monsoon winds—The hot wet southwest monsoon in summer and the dry cold northeast monsoon in the winter.

2. South-west monsoon winds:

1. During summer a deep low-pressure cell develops over central and north India. This draws the moist southwest monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean into the country. The rainy season commences, providing rainfall almost over the whole of India, except in a few places,

2. About 67-72% of rainfall in India occurs due to the southwest monsoon.

3. North-east monsoon winds:

1. During winter, a high-pressure cell develops over Central Asia, from where cold and dry winds rush towards the Indian Ocean, passing over the landmass of India,

2. The general temperature of the country decreases,

3. Generally the winds are dry. But before leaving the country, the winds collect some moisture from the Bay of Bengal and cause rainfall on the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu.

Depending on the monsoon winds, the climate of India can be classified into four seasons—

1. The pre-monsoon or the summer season,
2. The onset of the southwest monsoon or the rainy season,
3. The retreat of the south-west monsoon or the autumn season,
4. The onset of the northeast monsoon or the winter season.

2. Latitudinal extent: The Tropic of Cancer divides the country into almost two equal halves. The southern part lies in the tropical region while the northern part lies in the sub-tropical region. The Himalayan region lies in the temperate region. Hence, the temperature of the northern region is lower than that of the southern region.

3. Location of the Himalayas and the Western Ghats: The mighty Himalayas prevent the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds from escaping northwards. They help to cause rainfall in the country. Similarly, the Western Ghats lie across the direction of the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon and cause rainfall on its western slope. The Himalayas also prevent cold Siberian winds from entering India in winter.

4. Altitude: Temperature decreases by 6.4 °C for every 1 km or 1000 m rise in altitude (lapse rate). Thus, the peaks of the Himalayan mountains remain snow-covered throughout the year due to the high altitude. For this reason, Ooty is a cooler place in spite of lying closer to the equator than New Delhi.

5. Distance from the sea: The long coastline of India brings a huge area in the west, south, and east under the influence of the sea.

“Climate zones of India Class 10 Geography”

Question 5. Differentiate between ‘Loo’ and ‘Aandhi’.
Answer:

The differences between ‘Loo’ and ‘Aandhi’ are as follows-

Point of difference    LOO    Aandhi    
Region influenced Loo blows predominantly in the desert region of north-western Rajasthan, the adjacent areas of the desert, and in the drier states of north-western India. Aandhi blows in the north-western region of the Sutlej-Ganga plains.
Nature Loo is a strong, hot, dry wind. Aandhi is a strong stormy dusty wind.
Time Loo blows during summer. Aandhi blows during the end of spring.
Temperature The temperature of the wind varies between 45° and 50 °C. The temperature of the wind varies between 32° and 35 °C.
Period Loo blows during noon in the hot desert or semi-desert regions. Aandhi blows for a small period in the afternoon.
Sky condition Loo does not cause the sky to become dark. Aandhi causes the sky to become dark and reduces visibility.
Effects The hot and dry loo causes the leaves of plants to dry up and turn brownish. Aandhi deposits layers of dust on the leaves of plants and hampers photosynthesis.

 

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Question 6. Discuss the influence of monsoon winds on the livelihood of people in India.
Answer:

The influence of monsoon winds on the livelihood of people in India

The monsoons impose a lot of influences on the livelihood of the people in India.

1. Cultivation of crops: More than 70% of the people of India are dependent on agriculture directly or indirectly. Agriculture is dependent on monsoon rains. Hence, people who depend on agriculture are dependent on monsoon.

2. Agro-based industries: The agro-based industries acquire their raw materials from agricultural products. They are indirectly dependent on monsoons for their production and economic growth.

3. Forest: The monsoon rains have helped in the growth of dense evergreen forests in the foothills of the Himalayas and the Western slopes of the Western Ghats. Deciduous forests grow in regions of moderate to high rainfall. These forests yield valuable timber and other forest products.

4. Economic development: The economic development of the country is much dependent on the monsoons. Sufficient rainfall helps in agricultural and industrial development, while droughts and floods cause crop failures and loss of life and property.

5. Foreign exchange: Crops like tea, Jute, sugarcane, etc. are dependent on monsoons. The export of tea, jute products, sugar, etc. helps India to earn a lot of foreign exchange. Thus, it is indirectly dependent on the monsoons.

Question 7. What are the characteristics of the climate of India?
Answer:

The characteristics of the climate of India are-

1. Seasons: The climate of India is influenced by the two oppositely blowing monsoon winds, i.e., the south-west monsoon winds help in the classification of Indian climate into four seasons—Winter (December- February), Summer (March-May), Monsoon or Rainy season (June-September) and Autumn (October-November).

2. Oppositely blowing winds: The direction from which the winds blow in the summer season (southwest) is reversed in the winter season (northeast).

3. Hot wet summers and cool dry winters: The moist southwest monsoon winds provide sufficient rainfall during late summer and the rainy season. The northwest monsoon winds are generally dry and do not provide rainfall except for the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu. Thus, the summers are hot and wet while the winters are cool and dry.

4. Orographic rainfall: The southwest monsoon winds collide with the mighty Himalayas on the north and the Western Ghats along the western coast. Thus, they provide orographic rainfall in the foothills of the Himalayas and the western slopes of the Western Ghats.

5. Unpredictable rainfall: The whimsical nature of the monsoon winds make the occurrence of rainfall unpredictable. In some years rains come early and retreat late, while in some years the rains arrive late and retreat early. Thus, the monsoon winds sometimes cause floods and sometimes lead to droughts.

6. Diverse climate: The northern part of India is surrounded by landmasses. Hence, it experiences extreme and continental climates. The southern part is surrounded by oceans on three sides (west, south, and east). Hence, it experiences a moderate climate.

7. Cyclones: During the autumn season, the eastern and the western coastal regions experience cyclonic storms and rainfall. During the winter season, the Western disturbances cause cyclonic rainfall in the northwestern part of India. The temperature drops to a great extent and the hilly regions experience snowfall.

Question 8. Discuss the climatic regions of India. Or, Classify India according to climatic regions and discuss any three of them.
Answer:

The climatic regions of India

A region having similar conditions of temperature, pressure, humidity, rainfall, wind, etc. is known as a climatic region. Following the climatic classification of Koppen, India has been classified-

Climatic region Amongst influenced                           Characterise features
1. Tropical very wet monsoon region Coastal areas of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, and Kerala, western slopes of the Western Ghats, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Cachar district of Assam, Lakshadweep, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands. 1. Average annual temperature 18°-29 °C.

2. Average annual rainfall 300 cm.

2. Tropical Savanna region Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha. 1. Average Annual temperature 15″-30 °C.
2. Average annual rainfall 50-100 cm.3. Very hot summers and cool winters.
3. Tropical dry summer and wet winter region Coromandel coast of south-eastern India. 1. Average annual temperature 20°-30 °C.

2. Average annual rainfall 100-150 cm.

3. Dry summer (Eastern Tamil Nadu) and wet winter.

4. Tropical semi-desert and sub-tropical steppe region Rain shadow areas of the Western Ghats, eastern Rajasthan, and southwest Pujnab. 1. Average annual temperature 10°-40  °C
2. Average annual rainfall 50-75 cm.
5. Hot desert region Western Rajasthan. 1. Average annual temperature 5°-48  °C.

2. Average annual rainfall 12.5 cm-30 cm.

3.  Extreme continental climate. The diurnal and annual range of temperature is very large.

6. Temperate mild summer and wet winter region Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern Assam. 1. Average annual temperature 20″-35 °C. 2. Average annual rainfall above 300 cm.
7. Wet sub-tropical monsoon region (dry winter) Plains of northern India. 1.  Average annual temperature 5 °-30  °C.

2. Average annual rainfall is 200 cm in the east and 50 cm in the west. 3. Rainfall occurs mostly in summer.

8. Cold mountainous region High mountains of the Western Himalayas. 1. Average annual temperature is 15 ‘C in summer to less than 0 °C in winter.

2. Average annual rainfall 50-75 cm.

3. Very cold throughout the year and snowfall in winter.

 

 

WBBSE Solutions Class 10 geography and environment chapter Chapter 5 India Physical Environment climatic zones of india

“Impact of monsoon on Indian climate WBBSE”

Question 9. Discuss the influences of the Himalayas on the climate of India.
Answer:

The influences of the Himalayas on the climate of India

The Himalayas stand on the northern margin of India like a huge and mighty wall. It influences the climate of India in the following ways-

1. Protects from the severe cold: The Himalayan mountains prevent the chilling polar winds coming from Siberia from entering the country and making the climate very cold and chilling.

2. Helps in causing rainfall: The Himalayas stand like a barrier against the southwest monsoon winds. The moisture-laden winds strike against the mountains and cause orographic rainfall. India receives about 67 72% of its total annual rainfall from the southwest monsoon.

3. Creates desert climate: The Himalayas prevent the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds from escaping the country. Thus, it plays a vital role in the creation of deserts in Gobi and Taklamakan in Central Asia.

4. Reduces the effects of the Western disturbances: The Himalayas keep the effects of the Western disturbances limited to the northwestern part of the country.

It may be mentioned that, during the winter season, the northeast monsoon winds pass through the gap between the Eastern Himalayas and the Purvanchal mountains and decreases the temperature of the Brahmaputra Valley in Assam considerably.

5. Moderate climate: The places lying at high altitudes in the lap of the Himalayas enjoy cool climates throughout the year. Snowfall in the winter makes the place more attractive for tourism.

WBBSE Solutions Class 10 geography and environment chapter Chapter 5 India Physical Environment Location of the himalays

Question 10. What are the causes of the diversity in the climate of India?
Answer:

The causes of the diversity in the climate of India

The climate of India is diverse and different in different parts of the land at different times of the year. The causes of diversities are-

1. Latitudinal extent:

The main landmass of India extends from 8° N in the south to 37° N in the north. Thus, it spreads for about 29° of latitude. The southern part of India experiences a hot wet equatorial climate, the central part experiences a tropical climate, and the northern part experiences a subtropical and temperate climate.

2. Presence of mountains:

1. The Himalayan mountains in the north play a vital role in influencing the climate of India. During summer, they stop the moist southwest monsoon winds from escaping to Central Asia and cause rainfall in India.

During winter, they prevent the chilling polar winds coming from Siberia from entering India, thus keeping the climate of the country comparatively warmer and more comfortable.

2. The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats along the western and eastern coasts of India cause rainfall on their windward sides. Being higher the Western Ghats stop more amounts of moisture-laden winds and receive sufficient rainfall. The leeward side of these mountains lying in the Deccan plateau makes the region comparatively drier. This is a rain shadow region.

3. The Aravalli range lying parallel to the direction of the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoons fails to stop the moisture-laden winds. Thus, the vast region of Rajasthan remains devoid of rainfall and makes Thar a desert.

3. Altitude: India is a country of diverse landforms. Hence, even though Agra and Darjeeling lie almost on the same latitude, Darjeeling is much cooler than Agra due to altitude [Temperature falls by 6.4 °C for every 1000 m rise in altitude]. Different places in the country have different temperature conditions for similar reasons.

4. Peninsular shape: The peninsula of India is triangular in shape (southern part). This makes the land narrow towards the south and brings the land under the influence of the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Indian Ocean in the south, and the Arabia Sea in the west. Thus, the southern part of India experiences a moderate maritime climate while the northern part experiences an extreme continental climate.

5. Distance from the sea: The places in southern India are not too far away from the coast. Hence, they enjoy moderate or maritime climates. But the places in northern India (e.g. Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, etc.) are far away from the coastal region. Hence, they have no influence on the sea and experience extreme or continental climates.

6. Oppositely blowing monsoon winds: India experiences two oppositely blowing monsoon winds at different times of the year. During summer, the monsoon winds blow from the southwest and during winter they reverse their direction and blow from the northeast. This causes the formation of seasons.

7. Temporary shift of the pressure belts: The sun’s apparent northward and southward movement cause temporary shifting of the pressure belts northwards and southwards by 5°-10°. This leads to temporary changes in climate conditions.

Question 11. Discuss the influence of topography, jet stream, tropical cyclones, Western disturbances, El Nino and La Nina on the climate of India.
Answer:

The climate of India is influenced by several factors. Some of them are—

1. Topography or relief: The topography of India is different in different regions. This influences the climate to a great extent.

1. The mighty Himalayas standing at the northern margin of the country stop the southwest monsoon winds from escaping northwards and helps to cause rainfall. Also, they stop the cold Siberian polar winds from entering the country and help to keep the climate warm and comfortable.

2. The Western Ghats stand against the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon and help to cause heavy rainfall on its western slopes. The presence of these mountains makes the eastern slopes or the Deccan plateau region a rain shadow area.

3. The north-south alignment of the Aravalli range fails to stop the moisture-laden monsoon winds.

4. In southern India, the region should have been hot due to the latitudinal position. But, high altitude in many places makes them mildly cold. E.g. Ooty being located at an altitude of 2240 m, remains cold throughout the year.

5. The Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills in north-east India receive immense rainfall on their windward sides. This makes Cherrapunji in Meghalaya the rainiest place in the world.

2. Jet stream: The very speedy winds generated in the upper atmosphere is known as the jet stream. It influences the climate of India in two ways—

1. Westerly jet: The westerly jet blows over the sub-tropical region during the winter season. This creates high-pressure conditions over the northwestern part of India.

This condition causes the northeast monsoon winds to blow from the landmass toward the Indian Ocean. The westerly jet is responsible for Western disturbances, winter rainfall in certain regions, and snowfall in the hilly regions.

2. Easterly jet: The easterly jet blowing from the tropical region causes low-pressure conditions over the Indian landmass. This helps to attract the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds and marks the onset of the rainy season in the country.

3. Tropical cyclones: During the autumn, when the temperature of the sea surface rises too high, low-pressure conditions are created. This leads to the formation of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea.

These are called tropical cyclones, which influence the climate of the coastal regions of India. The cyclones cause profuse rainfall and stormy conditions in India.

4. Western disturbances: Although the Western disturbances develop over the Mediterranean Sea, they are drawn eastwards by the westerly jet stream. These disturbances cause rainfall in the northwestern part of India and snowfall in the Western Himalayas.

5. El Nino and La Nina: El Nino is a southward moving warm current that develops along the coasts of Ecuador and Peru in the eastern Pacific Ocean in December-January.

El Nino causes floods or droughts in the tropical region. The countries of south-east Asia receive very less rainfall due to El Nino and droughts are created. After the effects of El Nino recedes, calm weather conditions prevail. This is known as La Nina. This causes enough rainfall in India. The effects of La Nina may last for 1-3 years.

Question 12. Discuss the effects of monsoon winds natural vegetation and agriculture in India.
Answer:

Effects of monsoon winds on soil, natural vegetation, and agriculture are discussed below—

1. Effects of monsoon winds on soil: The amount of rainfall regulates the level of fertility of the soil. In areas receiving heavy or very heavy rainfall, the minerals and soil nutrients are washed down. Thus, infertile soils like laterite and red soil are formed.

In regions receiving moderate to heavy rainfall, the soil is sandy. In regions of medium rainfall, the amount of vegetation growth is maximum. This makes the soil rich in nitrogen and humus content.

2. Effect of monsoon winds on natural vegetation: The amount of rainfall received in an area is the deciding factor of the type of natural vegetation to be found there.

Wet deciduous forests are found in regions of heavy rainfall while dry deciduous forests are found in regions of low rainfall. In regions of scanty or no rainfall, there is thorny, bushy, or no vegetation cover at all.

3. Effects of monsoon winds on agriculture: Agriculture in India is highly dependent on monsoons. Depending on the amount of rainfall received, methods of dry farming or wet farming are implemented.

In regions of scanty rainfall, agriculture is practiced with the help of irrigation. The crop calendar of India is also determined by the monsoons. E.g. Depending on the amount of rainfall received, some regions grow rice, some grow wheat, some grow tea and coffee while some grow millet crops like Jowar, Bajra, and ragi.

Chapter 5 India-Physical Environment Topic 4 Climate Of India Short Explanatory Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Why Is the climate of India called a ‘monsoonal climate’? Slstiat’ OR, Why is India called the country of monsoonal climate?
Answer:

India is called the country of monsoonal climate for the following reasons-

1. Monsoon comes from the Arabic Word ‘mausinV, meaning season. In India, seasonal reversals of winds are seen.

2. The southwest monsoon winds cause wet summers and the northeast monsoon winds cause dry winters in India.

3. All the seasons found in India are related to the coming or retreating of the monsoon winds. Eg. Pre-arrival of south-west monsoon winds-Summer, the arrival of south-west monsoon winds-Rainy season, reversal and retreat of south-west monsoon winds- Autumn, the arrival of north-east monsoon winds-winter.

4. About 72% of the total annual rainfall occurring in India comes from the monsoon winds.

5. The rainy season is included in the summer season, thus broadly there are four seasons.

Question 2. Classify the main seasons of India.
Answer:

The main seasons of India are classified as follows

The climate of India can be classified into four main seasons based on the temperature, atmospheric pressure, rainfall, winds, etc. prevailing over a period of time.

 

Seasons Months
1. Winter or northeast monsoon December to February
2. Summer March to May
3. South-west monsoon or rainy season June to September
4. Autumn or retreating south-west monsoon October to November

 

“Climate change effects in India Class 10 Geography”

Question 3. Why does rainfall occur In northwest India during winter?
Answer:

During winter, the dry and cold northeast monsoon winds blow over India. As it originates over cold land so this season is generally dry.

However, in some years temperate cyclones generated over the Mediterranean sea reach the north-western part of India with prevailing winds. These cyclonic winds gather moisture from the Arabian Sea and cause rainfall in that region.As these winds come from the western direction, they are called Western disturbances. The amount of rainfall gradually decreases eastwards.

Question 4. Why are floods and drought prevalent in India?
Answer: In India, the monsoon winds are responsible for both drought and flood.

The causes behind the prevalence of floods and drought in India are as follows—

Causes of drought:

1. Lesser rainfall than normal.
2. Late arrival of monsoon winds.
3. Early retreat of monsoon winds.
4. A number of dry days in the rainy season.
5. Excessive heat due to El Nino.

Causes of the flood:

1. Heavy rainfall due to the southwest monsoon winds.
2. Late retreat of the monsoon winds.
3. Early arrival of the monsoon winds.
4. Continuous heavy rainfall for many days.
5. Overflowing of rivers and dams.

Question 5. Why does the Coromandel coast of ‘ Tamil Nadu receive rainfall twice a year? OR, What is the cause of rainfall in the Coromandel coast in winter?
Answer:

The Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu receives rainfall twice a year.

1. During summer, the region receives rainfall from the southwest monsoon winds along with the whole country.

2. During winter, cold and dry winds blow from the northeast and generally cause no rainfall. But while leaving the eastern coast, the winds gather sufficient moisture from the Bay of Bengal and re-enter the landmass near the Coromandel coast.

These moisture-laden winds provide heavy rainfall on the Coromance coast of Tamil Nadu before they finally leave the landmass. Example-Chennai in Tamil Nadu receives 43 cm of rainfall from June-September but about 87 cm of rainfall from October- December.

Question 6. Classify the regions of India according to the amount of rainfall received
Answer:

A rainfall region refers to a region that receives more or less the same amount of rainfall on average.

Based on this, India can be sub-divided into five rainfall regions—

 

WBBSE Solutions Class 10 geography and environment chapter Chapter 5 India Physical Environment indian oceAN

WBBSE Solutions For Class 10 Geography Chapter 5

Rainfall    Area     Average annual rainfall
Very heavy rainfall region Western slopes of the Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Mizoram, northern West Bengal, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands. > 200 cm
Heavy rainfall region Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, hilly region of Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, the southern part of West Bengal. 100-200 cm
Medium rainfall region Punjab, Haryana, eastern Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra. 60-100 cm
Low rainfall region Rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, western parts of Punjab and Haryana, central Rajasthan. 20-60 cm
Scanty rainfall region Desert region of Rajasthan, Ladakh, north-western Gujarat. < 20 cm

 

Question 7. Which regions of India receive excessive rainfall and why?
Answer:

About 72% of the total annual rainfall of India comes from the monsoon winds. But, rainfall is not evenly distributed over India. There are two regions in the country that receive excessive rainfall.

They are-

1. The western slopes of the Western Ghats: The Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon is obstructed by the western slopes of the Western Ghats. Hence, this region receives a huge amount of orographic rainfall.

2. Eastern and northeastern India: The Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon enters India along the east and moves northward. They hit the Eastern Himalayas and the Purvanchal mountains and cause heavy rainfall in the northeastern and eastern regions.

The regions receiving heavy rainfall are—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura, and the northern part of West Bengal.

Question 8. Why do some regions in India receive scanty rainfall?
Answer:

India receives most of its rainfall due to the southwest monsoon winds, but the distribution of rainfall is not even all over the country. There are three regions in India that receive scanty rainfall-

1. Western Rajasthan and Northwestern Gujarat.
2. Ladakh plateau of Ladakh.

Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.

1. Western Rajasthan and north-western Gujarat:

1. Some winds from the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon blow over Kathiawar in Gujarat and escape to the northwest, as there are no maintains to stop them.

2. The Aravalli range of Rajasthan lies parallel to the wind direction and fails to stop the monsoon winds from escaping northward. Thus, these regions receive scanty rainfall.

2. Ladakh plateau Ladakh: The Ladakh plateau is an intermontane plateau surrounded by high mountains on all sides. Thus, moisture-laden winds cannot cross the mountains to provide rainfall to the region. As a result, the plateau remains dry.

3. The rain shadow area lying between the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats:
The southwest monsoon winds give heavy rainfall on the windward slope of the western ghats. When the winds reach the leeward side, they don’t have enough moisture to provide rainfall. Hence, the leeward side of the Western Ghats is a rain shadow area and receives scanty rainfall.

“Understanding Indian monsoon patterns Class 10”

Question 9. Why are winters dry in India?
Answer:

The retreating monsoon or the northeast monsoon prevails in India before the onset of the winter.

1. These winds blow from land towards the sea, and cannot collect moisture in their course of movement. Thus, they are dry.
2. These winds are very cold and the water-holding capacity of these winds is very low. Thus, they fail to cause rainfall.
3. high pressure exists over the landmass and low pressure exists over the surrounding water bodies. Thus, winds blow offshore.

All these causes make the winters dry in India. As an exception, a small branch of the retreating monsoon collects moisture from the Bay of Bengal and provides heavy rainfall to the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu before finally leaving the landmass.

Question 10. What are the causes of the formation of the Thar desert?
Answer:

The causes of the formation of the Thar desert

India receives most of its rainfall from the southwest monsoon winds. But the distribution of rainfall is not even all over the country. The amount of rainfall decreases from east to west. The western part of Rajasthan receives very scanty or almost no rainfall.

This is due to the following reasons—

1. The Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon blows over the Kathiawar region of Gujarat and escapes towards the northwest. There are no high mountains to obstruct these winds.

2. The Aravalli range of Rajasthan lies parallel to the direction of the monsoon winds and cannot stop them from escaping northwards.

3. The high temperature of the region increases the water-holding capacity of the winds and reduces the chances of rainfall. All these cause extreme scarcity of rainfall and lead to the formation of the Thar desert.

Question 11. Why do desert regions have extreme summers and winters?
Answer:

The desert regions have extreme summers and winters due to the following reasons—

1. The desert regions are covered with sand and rocks, which can absorb and release heat very quickly. Thus, they become very hot during the daytime, especially in summer, and very cold during the night, especially in winter.

2. The sky remains clear throughout the year in the desert remains. This helps in the fast escape of terrestrial radiation.

3. The desert atmosphere lacks the presence of water vapor. Water vapor helps to absorb heat and keeps the atmosphere warm. The absence of this helps the desert to cool down very fast during the night. The difference in the average temperature of summers and winters in deserts may be as large as 30-40°C.

Question 12. What is a rain shadow region? Give examples. OR, Where does the rain shadow area lie in India?
Answer:

Rain shadow region:

The moisture-laden winds being obstructed by a highland shed heavy rains on the windward slope. In this way, they become lighter and rise to cross the mountains.

As the winds reach the other side of the mountains, they do not have enough moisture to provide rainfall to the leeward slope. Also, as the winds move downward, the winds get warmer, and the water-holding capacity increases. Hence, this slope remains comparatively drier than the windward slope.

This is called the rain shadow region.

1. The windward side or the western slope of the Western Ghats receives heavy, rainfall from the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoons. But the eastern slope receives no or scanty rainfall and turns into a rain shadow region.

2. The southern slope of the Garo and Khasi hills in Meghalaya receives extremely heavy rainfall. Mawsynram near Cherrapunji on that slope receives the highest rainfall in the world (1187 cm). But, the Shillong plateau lying on the northern slope or the leeward side of the mountains receives only 159 cm of rainfall annually. Hence, Shillong is a rain shadow area.

Question 13. Why does the southwest monsoon cause rainfall in India?
Answer:

The south-west monsoon causes rainfall in India for the following reasons—

1. During summer, especially during May, a deep low-pressure cell is developed over the Northern plains. This is a main driving force that draws the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean into the Indian landmass.

2. The winds are onshore winds, which collect a lot of moisture while crossing the surrounding seas. In the extreme north, the Himalayas act as a climatic barrier preventing these winds from crossing over to the other side. Thus, the southwest monsoon winds shed all their moisture over the Indian landmass and in turn lower the temperature.

Question 14. How can floods and drought be controlled in India?
Answer:

Flood controlling measures:

1. Construct strong dams along the banks of the rivers.

2. Monitoring the amount of rainfall and volume of water in the river channel regularly.

3. Maintaining the depth of the river channels by dredging out silt.

4. Construction of houses in high places if the region is flood prove.

5. Proper system to forecast flood conditions.

6. Construction of reservoirs in the upper course of the rivers, so that excessive water flowing through the rivers in the rainy season can be stopped from causing floods.

7. Prevention of soil erosion so that soil does not run off into river channels and decreases the depth.

Drought-controlling measures:

1. Proper use and utilization of rainwater, flowing water, and groundwater without any misuse.

2. Rainwater harvesting to provide water in the dry seasons.

3. Cultivation of drought-resistant crops.

4. Spread irrigation for agriculture, especially through pipelines in dry regions to prevent evaporation.

Question 15. Discuss the causes of floods in India.
Answer:

The causes of floods in India are—

1. The whimsical and unpredictable nature of southwest monsoons-

1. Torrential showers for a few hours continuously may cause floods.

2. Medium to heavy showers for a long time continuously may also cause floods.

3. Early onset and late retreat of monsoon increase the volume of rainfall received. Thus, also leads to floods.

2. Too much siltation in the river bed reduces the depth of the channel. This reduces the water-holding capacity of the rivers. Hence, floods may occur even due to medium rainfall.

3. Release of excess water from dams behind rivers leads to a sudden increase of water level in the rivers and leads to floods.

4. Cyclones developed in coastal areas lead to floods due to sudden rises in the water level of the seas and the devastating action of the waves.

5. In mountainous areas, landslides may block the path of rivers, thus flooding adjacent areas.

6. In desert regions, the dry channels of rivers and streams get filled up with sand and get blocked. Hence, even a small shower of rainfall can cause floods.

7. Some rivers tend to change their courses, leading to floods.

Question 16. causes of drought in
Answer:

The issues of drought in India can be broadly classified into two types—

1. The whimsical and unpredictable nature of southwest monsoon.
2. Deforestation.

1. The whimsical and unpredictable nature of the southwest monsoon: India receives 67-72% of its total annual rainfall from the southwest monsoon. But-

1. Late-onset and early retreat of the monsoon winds cause less amount of rainfall and may result in drought.

2. Rainfall may not occur every day during the rainy season. The sudden interval of rainfall for a long period during the rainy season is known as the ‘break of monsoon’. This may cause a shortage of water, drying up of the soil, lowering of the underground water table, and failure of crops. Thus, droughts may occur.

2. Deforestation:

1. Cutting down trees expose the soils to the scorching heat of the sun in summer. The soil moisture gradually dries up and the underground water table goes down. This may lead to conditions of drought.

2. Absence of trees reduces the level of transpiration considerably. This makes the air dry. Thus, it tends to draw out underground water in the form of vapor and lowers the water table. If such a situation prevails for a long time, droughts may result.

Question 17. Discuss the role of forests in the climate of India.
Answer:

The role of forests in the climate of India

The forests of India play a vital role in influencing the climate of the country.

1. Forests lead to a huge amount of transpiration and recharge the air with water vapor. Hence, the atmospheric condition near forest areas is humid.

2. A dense canopy of leaves of trees in a forest prevents sunlight from reaching the forest floor directly and drying up the soil moisture.

3. The transpired water increases the moisture content of the atmosphere and aids in rainfall.

4. The forest cover helps to reduce the temperature of the place considerably. The north-western region and the Deccan plateau region of India have less tree cover, hence they are comparatively warmer than the forested regions.

Question 18. Why Is India known as the land of a variety of climates?
Answer:

India is a country with a variety of landforms, which influences the climate of various regions of the country.

1. Difference in temperature: Different temperatures prevail in different parts of the country in different seasons. Example— The summer temperature of the Thar desert reaches as high as 5CTC, while the winter temperature of Ladakh drops to as low as-40°C.

2. Range of temperature: The average annual range of temperature in northern India is about 20-25°C, while that in the south is only 4-6°C.

3. Difference in rainfall: Heavy rainfall in the southern slopes of the Garo and Khasi hills makes Mawsynram near Cherrapunji the rainiest place in the world. On the other hand, the lack of rainfall in north-western regions makes Thar in Rajasthan a desert.

4. Wind: India’s climate is mostly influenced by the southwest monsoon winds in the summer and northeast monsoon winds in the winter. Apart from these, some local winds also influence the climate. E.g. Loo, Aandhi, and Nor’westers in summer. ‘Ashwiner Jhor’ in autumn and Western disturbances in winter make India’s climate full of varieties.

Question 19. Discuss the characteristic features monsoon climate in India.
Answer:

The monsoon climate prevails in India due to the influence of the monsoon winds.

The characteristic features of the climate are-

1. The most significant characteristic feature of India’s climate is the reversal of wind direction. The monsoon winds blow from just opposite directions in the summer and winter seasons

2. The cold dry north-east monsoon winds blowing in the winter drop the average temperature prevailing in the country.

3. The southwest monsoon winds blow from the sea to the land and hence are moisture-laden. They provide about 72% of the total annual rainfall that India receives.

4. The monsoon winds are unpredictable in nature. Hence, sometimes the rainy season sets in fast and stays for a long time, and sometimes it sets in late and leaves early. This whimsical nature of the winds influences the climate and agriculture of the country.

Question 20. Discuss the nature of rainfall in India.
Answer:

The nature or characteristics of rainfall in India are-

1. Uneven distribution of rainfall: Rainfall is not evenly distributed all over India. The Eastern Himalayas, western slopes of Western Ghats, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands receive ample rainfall, whereas, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat receive scanty rainfall.

2. Seasonal rainfall: India does not receive rainfall evenly throughout the year. 72% of the total annual rainfall occurs in the monsoon or rainy season, 10% in summer, 15% in autumn, and 3% in winter.

3. Uncertain rainfall: The amount of rainfall provided by the monsoon winds is uncertain. In some years, excessive rainfall may lead to floods, while in some years droughts may result due to scanty rainfall.

4. Break of monsoon: Long intervals may occur in the rainfall during the monsoon season due to the shift of the monsoon trough.

Question 21. How do the monsoon winds influence the economy of the country?
Answer:

The economy of India is largely influenced by the monsoon winds-

1. Influence on agriculture: The Indian economy is basically an agro-based economy. Agriculture is largely dependent on monsoon winds. The timely onset of monsoons and sufficient rainfall help in the production of crops. But late arrival of the monsoons or insufficient rainfall may lead to crop failures and droughts.

2. Influence on irrigation: Water for irrigation also depends upon the availability of water from the dams and reservoirs. In years of sufficient rainfall the area covered by irrigation increases or vice versa. In years of insufficient rainfall, the height of the underground water table falls leading to a shortage of water in the wells, tanks, and tube wells.

3. Influence on hydroelectric power generation: Generation of hydroelectric power in India to a great extent dependent on monsoon rains. If there is sufficient rainfall the reservoirs remain full of water, which helps in hydroelectric power generation.

4. Influence on industries: The agro-based industries are largely dependent on the monsoon winds for acquiring their raw materials. For example—The growth of jute, sugar cane, and cotton requires ample rainfall. Timely and sufficient rainfall will lead to a huge production of crops. Thus, the required amounts of raw materials can be supplied to the related industries. But delay in rainfall or a lesser amount of rainfall may lead to less production of crops. Hence, the industries will suffer.

5. Influence on economic development: Excessive rainfall from the southwest monsoons may result in floods and lack of rainfall may lead to droughts. Both situations may lead to loss of life and property, crop failures, food shortages, and hamper livelihood. Thus, the economy may suffer as a whole.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 10 Geography Chapter 5

Question 22. Classify the climate of India into seasons.
Answer:

The climate of India is influenced by the onset and retreat of the monsoon winds.

Based on this, the climate of India can be classified into our seasons—

1. The pro-arrival time of the southwest monsoon in the summer season,

2. The arrival of the monsoon winds or the rainy season.

3. The reversal of the southwest monsoon winds, or the autumn season.

4. The onset of the northeast monsoon winds or the winter season.

“Seasonal variations in Indian climate WBBSE”

Question 23. Why do we find a desert west of the Aravaili range? OR, How has a desert been formed on the western side of the Aravaili range?
Answer:

The Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon provides huge amounts of rainfall in the eastern part of the country, which goes on reducing towards the west.

By the time the winds reach Rajasthan, they become dry and cannot provide rainfall any further. Moreover, the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon winds blows parallel to the Aravaili range in Rajasthan. They are not obstructed by the Aravaili range and hence provide no rainfall. Thus, a desert has been formed on the western side of the Aravaili range.

Question 24. Why do the western slopes of the Western Ghats receive orographic rainfall?
Answer:

The Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon collides with the western slopes of the Western Ghats. These moisture-laden winds cause heavy rainfall in this region. The main cause of this rainfall is a collision of the moisture-laden winds with the western slopes of the high mountains. Thus, it is said that the Western Ghats receive orographic rainfall.

Question 25. How do the Himalayan mountains influence the climate of India?
Answer:

The Himalayan mountains influence the climate of India in the following ways-

1. The mountains stand across in the path of the southwest monsoon winds and prevent escaping towards the north. The moisture-laden winds collide with the southern slopes of the mountains and cause orographic rainfall. This rainfall is responsible for helping India to grow a large number of crops.

2. The mountains stop the chilling winds coming from Central Asia from entering the Indian landmass. This keeps the temperature of the northern part of the country less cold and more comfortable in the winter season.

Question 26. Why are the monsoon winds also called seasonal winds?
Answer:

The word monsoon derives from the Arabic word ‘Muslim’ meaning season. The monsoon winds blow from different directions in different seasons.

During summer, the winds blow from the southwest direction, while during winter they blow from the northeast direction. Due to this seasonal reversal of the direction of winds, the monsoon winds are also known as seasonal winds.

Question 27. Why are the southwest monsoon winds moist?
Answer:

The southwest monsoon winds generate over the Indian Ocean. While blowing towards India, they cross the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal before entering the landmass. They collect enough moisture while blowing over these water bodies. Thus, the southwest monsoon winds become moist.

Question 28. Why are ‘Kalbaisakhi’ storms also called ‘Nor’westers’?
Answer:

During the summer season, the landmass of India, especially the north-western region becomes very hot. This creates a deep low-pressure cell over the Chotanagpur plateau.

This low pressure induces the formation of cyclones. As a result coastal regions of West Bengal experience thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Locally, these thunderstorms are known as ‘Kalbaisakhi’, but since they are caused by winds coming from the north-western direction, they are also called ‘Nor’westers’.

Question 29. Describe the influence of jet stream on monsoon winds.
Answer:

The influence of jet stream on monsoon winds are-

1. The generation of monsoon winds is influenced by the jet stream.
2. The jet stream is responsible for the arrival of etc. remains uniform and is called a climatic region.

Chapter 5 India Physical Environment Topic 4 Climate Of India

Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1. Which regions receive rainfall in winter in India?
Answer:

The regions receiving rainfall in winter in India are—

1. North-west India and
2. The southern part of the eastern coastal plain or the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu.

Question 2. Which regions in India receive more than 200 cm of rainfall on average?
Answer:

Western slopes of the Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas, Mizoram, North Bengal, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands.

Question 3. Name two storms occurring in two different seasons.
Answer:

1. Thunderstorms called Kalbaisakhi or Nor’westers, bring rainfall to regions of West Bengal in summer.
2. Thunderstorms called Ashwiner Jhor, occur in West Bengal in autumn.

Question 4. What do you mean by ‘Ashwiner Jhor’?
Answer:

Ashwiner Jhor

During autumn in India, tropical cyclones cause storms and rainfall in coastal parts of West Bengal due to lower air pressure over the Bay of Bengal. These storms are devastating and cause loss of life and property. They are called ‘Ashwiner Jhor’.

Question 5. What do you mean by climatic region?
Answer:

Climatic region

1. The region in which various elements of weather and climate, like temperature, rainfall, humidity, etc. remain uniform is called a climatic region. monsoon winds in India.

2. Sometimes the winds reach the Indian landmass before time while sometimes they are delayed.

3. The northward movement of the southwest monsoon is influenced by the jet stream. Unless the jet stream moves away from the plains of northern India, the southwest monsoon winds cannot blow over land.

Question 6. What are monsoon winds?
Answer:

Monsoon winds

The monsoon winds are the most important seasonal winds that flow over the earth, especially over the countries of Southeast Asia. The word monsoon comes from the Arabic word ‘Muslim’, meaning ‘season’.

These winds blow in particular seasons, hence are called monsoon winds. India experiences two opposite monsoon winds in different seasons. The southwest monsoon winds in the summer and the northeast monsoon winds in the winter.

Question 7. Name some regions receiving scanty rainfall in India.
Answer:

The regions receiving scanty rainfall in India are-

1. Desert and semi-desert regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat.
2. Ladakh plateau of Kashmir.
3. Eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, Karnataka plateau.
4. Shillong in the northern part of the Meghalaya plateau.

Question 8. What are the causes of heavy rainfall in Meghalaya?
Answer:

The causes of heavy rainfall in Meghalaya

The Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon winds enters Bangladesh and moves northwards. Before reaching the Himalayas in the north and the mountainous region in north-east India, these winds are being obstructed by the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia hills of the Meghalaya plateau. This causes heavy rainfall in Meghalaya.

Question 9. Name the region receiving the heaviest rainfall in the world.
Answer:

The southern slopes of the Meghalaya plateau is the region receiving the heaviest rainfall in the world. Mawsynram, situated south of the Meghalaya plateau near Cherrapunji is the wettest place in the world. This place receives an average annual rainfall of more than 1187 cm.

WBBSE Solutions For Class 10 Geography Chapter 5

Question 10. What do you mean by drought?
Answer:

Drought

The environmental condition created due to scanty or lack of rainfall is called drought. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), meteorological drought occurs when the seasonal rainfall received in a region is less than 25% of its long-term average rainfall. The drought is classified as moderate if the rainfall deficit is 26-50% and severe drought when the deficit exceeds 50% of the normal long-term average rainfall. Drought results in severe scarcity of water for agriculture, irrigation, and drinking.

Question 11. Name the place of the highest and lowest rainfall in India.
Answer:

1. Highest rainfall: Mawsynram near Cherrapunji on the southern slope of the Khasi hills is the region with the highest rainfall in India. Also, the western slopes of the Western Ghats and the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas receive heavy rainfall.

Lowest rainfall: Marusthali or the desert region of Rajasthan receives the lowest rainfall in India. The Ladakh plateau of Jammu and Kashmir is also a region of scanty rainfall.

Question 12. Name two states receiving snowfall in winter.
Answer:

The states of India receiving snowfall in winter are-

1. Jammu and Kashmir and
2. Himachal Pradesh.

Question 13. What are Nor’westers or Kalbaisakhi?
Answer:

Nor’westers or Kalbaisakhi

In coastal regions of West Bengal, a severe thunderstorm generates in the afternoon during the summer season. This may bring heavy rainfall. This is called Kalbaisakhi. As the winds come from the north-western direction, they are also called Nor’westers.

Question 14. What are Mango showers?
Answer:

Mango showers

The thunderstorms that occur in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and also some parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are called Mango showers. These showers arrive in late April and May and bring rainfall. The showers aid in ripening mangoes, hence the name.

Question 15. What do you mean by the ‘burst of monsoon’?
Answer:

Burst of monsoon

In India, during late summer, a deep low-pressure cell or a depression develops over the northwestern part of India. This depression draws winds from the high-pressure region over the Indian Ocean. The winds are divided into two branches-the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch and enter India from the southwest as the southwest monsoon. These moisture-laden winds suddenly cause thunderstorms and bring heavy rainfall. This onset of the monsoon is known as the ‘burst of monsoon.

Question 16. Why is the monsoon wind unpredictable in nature?
Answer:

India receives about 72% of its total annual rainfall from the southwest monsoon. But these winds in some years come before time, causing heavy rainfall and sometimes retreating too early leaving a deficit of rainfall. Sometimes they are the cause of floods while sometimes they cause drought. Thus, the monsoon winds are highly unpredictable in nature.\

Question 17. Write a short note on Western disturbances.
Answer:

Western disturbances

The cyclonic winds that originate over the Mediterranean Sea and reach the north-western part of India with the prevailing wind during the winter are known as Western disturbances.

They are influenced by the westerly winds in the temperate region. The Western disturbances cause rainfall and snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh.

Question 18. Why is the western part of Rajasthan Known as Marusthali?
Answer:

The western part of Rajasthan receives very little rainfall. Here, rainfall is highly variable in nature. The region is so arid that it is difficult to support plant or animal life over there. Hence, it is called ‘Marusthali’, the land of the dead.

Question 19. Which regions of India receive rainfall in winter?
Answer:

1. Coromandel or Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall due to the northeast monsoon.
2. North-western parts of India receive winter rainfall due to Western disturbances.

Question 20. What is a ‘Jet stream’?
Answer:

Jet stream

The jet stream is a fast-flowing, narrow meandering air current blowing from west to east in the upper part of the Troposphere. The speed of the winds in a jet stream usually ranges from 190-400 km/hr. The jet stream influences the climate of India.

Question 21. What is Loo’?
Answer:

Loo

The hot, dusty, and dry summer wind called Loo blows over the western Indo-Gangetic Plain particularly in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and North Gujarat during the day. It is especially strong in May and June. The Loo blows at a speed of 30-35 km/hr and due to its very high temperatures of 45-50° C often leads to fatal heatstrokes.

Question 22. Name some regions in India that come under the influence of Loo.
Answer:

The western Indo-Gangetic Plain particularly Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and North Gujarat come under the influence of Loo. The eastern part of Bihar, Jharkhand, and the Purulia district of West Bengal also experience Loo.

Question 23. What is Aandhi?
Answer:

Aandhi

The violent dust squalls that occur in the afternoon during summers in the northwestern part of India, especially in the states of Rajasthan, southern Punjab, western UP, and Delhi are called Aandhi. The speed of these winds is about 50-60 km/hr.

Question 24. Why does the Malabar coast receive heavy rainfall?
Answer:

The Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon reaches the Malabar coast on 1st day of June. It hits the western slopes of the Western Ghats. This causes heavy rainfall (above 200 cm) along the Malabar coast.

Question 25. Why does the coastal region of Tamil Nadu receive rainfall twice a year?
Answer:

1. The southwest monsoon gives heavy rainfall to the coastal region of Tamil Nadu in summer.
2. In autumn, while the southwest monsoon winds retreat, they collect a lot of moisture from the Bay of Bengal. These moisture-laden winds re-enter the land near the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu and provide sufficient rainfall before finally leaving the land.

Question 26. List the causes of floods in India.
Answer:

The causes of floods in India

1. Onset of monsoons before time.
2. Continuation of rainfall for a long period.
3. Heavy rainfall over a region at a stretch.
4. Sudden cloud bursts.

Question 27. What are the causes of drought in India?
Answer:

The causes of drought in India

1. Late coming of the southwest monsoon.
2. Before time retreat of the monsoon winds.
3. Lack of sufficient moisture in the air.

Question 28. What do you mean by ‘break of monsoon’?
Answer:

Break of monsoon

During the southwest monsoon season there are periods when the monsoon trough shifts from the Gangetic plains towards the foothills of the Himalayas. This leads to a sharp decrease in rainfall over a large part of the country. Such a situation is known as the ‘break of monsoon’.

Chapter 5 India Physical Environment Topic 4 Climate Of India

Multiple Choice Type Questions

Question 1. The main characteristic feature of the climate of India is—

  1. Change of seasons
  2. High temperature
  3. Heavy rainfall
  4. Severe cold

Answer: 1. Change of seasons

Question 2. Which of the following is a local wind in India?

  1. Monsoon winds
  2. Loo
  3. AshwinerJhor
  4. Cyclone

Answer: 2. Loo

Question 3. The ‘burst of monsoon’ occurs in—

  1. Rainy season
  2. Summer
  3. Autumn
  4. Winter

Answer: 2. Summer

Question 4. ‘AshwinerJhor’ occurs in—

  1. Autumn
  2. Monsoon
  3. Winter
  4. Summer

Answer: 1. Autumn

Question 5. Rainfall occurs twice a year in—

  1. North-eastern India
  2. Southern Himalayas
  3. Coastal regions of Tamil Nadu
  4. Western Ghats

Answer: 3. Coastal regions of Tamil Nadu

Question 6. Western disturbances occur in—

  1. Winter
  2. Summer
  3. Monsoon
  4. Spring

Answer: 1. Winter

Question 7. The word ‘Muslim’ means—

  1. Season
  2. Rainfall
  3. Wind
  4. Snowfall

Answer: 1. Season

Question 8. The type of rainfall that mostly occurs in India is—

  1. Convectional rainfall
  2. Orographic rainfall
  3. Cyclonic rainfall
  4. None of these

Answer: 3. Orographic rainfall

Question 9. The ‘burst of monsoon’ brings the onset of—

  1. Summer
  2. Rainy season
  3. Winter
  4. Autumn

Answer: 2. Winter

Question 10. The general climate of southern India is—

  1. Hot and dry
  2. Wet and cold
  3. Moderate
  4. Temperate

Answer: 3. Moderate

Question 11.’Mango showers’ occur in—

  1. North India
  2. East India
  3. South India
  4. West India

Answer: 3. South India

Question 12. Which of the following is a rainshadow area in India?

  1. Chotanagpur plateau
  2. The western slope of the Western Ghats
  3. Shillong plateau
  4. The south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu

Answer: 3. Shillong plateau

Question 13. A city in India experiencing extreme climate is—

  1. Cuttack
  2. Kolkata
  3. Mumbai
  4. Amritsar

Answer: 4. Amritsar

Question 14. The climate of India is influenced by the—

  1. North-east monsoon
  2. South-east monsoon
  3. North-west monsoon
  4. South-west monsoon

Answer: 4. South-west monsoon

Question 15. In India, the least amount of rainfall is received by—

  1. Thar desert in Rajasthan
  2. Plains of Gujarat
  3. Ladakh
  4. Coastal plains

Answer: 1. Thar desert in Rajasthan

Question 16. The storms that occur in the afternoon during the summer season in West Bengal are called—

  1. ‘AshwinerJhor’
  2. Loo
  3. Mango showers
  4. Kal Baishakhi

Answer: 4. ‘AshwinerJhor’

Question 17. In India, the cool mountainous climate is found in the—

  1. North
  2. South
  3. North-west
  4. East

Answer: 1. North

Question 18. In West Bengal, the cyclonic storms generated in the Bay of Bengal in October- November are known as—

  1. Nor’westers
  2. Western disturbances
  3. Loo
  4. ‘AshwinerJhor’

Answer: 4. ‘AshwinerJhor’

Question 19. A rainshadow area in South India is—

  1. Ladakh
  2. Shillong
  3. Eastern slope of the Sahyadri
  4. Shimla

Answer: 3. Eastern slope of the Sahyadri

Question 20. In India, the highest average rainfall is received in the—

  1. North-west
  2. South
  3. North-east
  4. West

Answer: 3. North-east

Question 21. The mountains that influence the climate of India are—

  1. Aravalli range
  2. Himalayan range
  3. Western Ghats
  4. Garo hills

Answer: 2. Himalayan range

Question 22. The monsoon winds enter the mainland of India in—

  1. May
  2. June
  3. July
  4. August

Answer: 2. June

Question 23. The Western disturbances cause snowfall in—

  1. Delhi
  2. Jammu and Kashmir
  3. Punjab
  4. Haryana

Answer: 3. Jammu and Kashmir

Question 24. The monsoon winds prevail for the least duration in—

  1. North-east India
  2. North-west India
  3. West India
  4. South India

Answer: 2. North-west India

Question 25. In India, the cyclones that occur in the autumn season are generated in the—

  1. Arabian Sea
  2. Gulf of Khambat
  3. Bay of Bengal
  4. Indian Ocean

Answer: 3. Bay of Bengal

Question 26. Western disturbances arise in the—

  1. Arabian sea
  2. Red sea
  3. Mediterranean sea
  4. Bay of Bengal

Answer: 3. Mediterranean sea

Question 27. Which of the following districts of West Bengal receives the lowest amount of rainfall?

  1. Darjeeling
  2. Nadia
  3. Purulia
  4. Bankura

Answer: 3. Purulia

Question 28. The local name for the first storm and rainfall of the monsoon season in Assam is—

  1. Bordoichila
  2. Nor’westers
  3. Loo
  4. Mango showers

Answer: 1. Nor’westers

Question 29. In India, the steppe climate is found in—

  1. Southern Bengal
  2. Eastern Tamil Nadu
  3. Eastern Rajasthan
  4. Western Karnataka

Answer: 3. Eastern Rajasthan

Question 30. Western disturbances help in—

  1. Cultivation of rabi crops
  2. Cultivation of plantation crops
  3. Cultivation of Kharif crops
  4. None of these

Answer: 1. Cultivation of rabi crops

Question 31. According to the latitudinal extent, the northern part of India lies in the—

  1. Frigid zone
  2. Hot Temperate zone
  3. Torrid zone
  4. Cool temperate zone

Answer: 2. Hot Temperate zone

Question 32.’Aandhi’ is a—

  1. Dust storm
  2. Hot wind
  3. Cyclonic rainfall
  4. Cold wind

Answer: 1. Dust storm

Question 33. In India, El Nino leads to—

  1. Flood
  2. Drought
  3. Heat waves
  4. Cold waves

Answer: 2. Drought

Question 34. The drought of 2014 in India was the result of—

  1. El Nino
  2. La Nina
  3. Western disturbances
  4. None of these

Answer: 1. El Nino

Question 35. The south-west monsoon winds are a result of—

  1. Westerly jet stream
  2. Easterly jet stream
  3. El Nino
  4. Ocean currents

Answer: 2. Easterly jet stream

Question 36. Change of seasons does not occur in the

  1. Tropical monsoon climate region
  2. Equatorial climate region
  3. Hot desert climate region
  4. China’s type of climate region

Answer: 2. Equatorial climate region

Chapter 5 India Physical Environment Topic 4 Climate Of India

If The Statement Is True, Write True And If False Write False Against The Following

Question 1. The general climate of India is Temperate Monsoon type.
Answer: False

Question 2. The Arabic word ‘Muslim’ means season.
Answer: True

Question 3. Mango showers occur in West Bengal.
Answer: False

Question 4. Loo is a wet cold wind.
Answer: False

Question 5. The southeast monsoon winds influence rainfall in India.
Answer: False

Question 6. Rainfall occurs twice a year on the Coromandel coast.
Answer: True

Question 7. Western disturbances cause rainfall and snowfall during winter.
Answer: True

Question 8. Temperature is low at the poles because the angle of incidence of sun’s rays is very low.
Answer: True

Question 9. The thunderstorms occurring in West Bengal during autumn are called ‘Kalbaisakhi’.
Answer: False

Question 10. Shillong is a rain shadow area.
Answer: True

Question 11. If rainfall occurs less than 75% of the normal rainfall in a particular region, the condition is said to be a drought.
Answer: True

Question 12. The presence of seas on three sides of peninsular India gives the long coastline of the country a moderate climate.
Answer: True

Question 13. The dust storm occurring in April-May in northwest India is called Loo.
Answer: False

Question 14. Mediterranean sea in winter is called The thunderstorms that occur at the coastal plains during autumn are called Kalbaisakhi.
Answer: False

Question 15. The monsoon winds are a larger edition of land breeze and sea breeze.
Answer: True

Question 16. The Shillong plateau and the northern part of the Meghalaya plateau is a rain shadow areas.
Answer: True

Question 17. The central region of the plateau of southern India represents the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats.
Answer: True

Question 18. The wind that blows according to the seasons is called ‘Kalbaishakhi’.
Answer: False

Question 19. A severe low pressure develops over the northwestern part of India during summer.
Answer: True

Question 20. Loo is a hot dry wind.
Answer: True

Question 21. The rain shadow area of India is known as the ‘famine-prone region of India’.
Answer: True

Question 22. The average annual rainfall is very low in Uttar Pradesh.
Answer: False

Question 23. Kerala and Goa receive moderate rainfall.
Answer: False

Question 24. During October-November, a low pressure develops over the Indian Ocean due to vertical rays of the sun on the Tropic of Cancer.
Answer: False

Question 25. Maximum rainfall in India occurs from May-June.
Answer: False

Question 26. The Thunderstorms occur as a result of the influence of the westerly winds over the ‘Ashwine Jhor’.
Answer: False

Chapter 5 Indian-Physical Environment Topic 4 Climate Of India Fill In The Blanks With Suitable Words

Question 1. India is a country of______ climate.
Answer: Monsoons

Question 2. In India, the maximum rainfall occurs in the ______
Answer: Mawsynram

Question 3. Rainfall occurs twice a year in the coastal regions of ______
Answer: Tamil Nadu

Question 4. The climate of India is influenced by the ______ winds.
Answer: Monsoon

Question 5. The thunderstorms occurring in southern India during the summer season are called ______
Answer: Mango showers

Question 6. ‘Monsoon’ comes from the Arabic word ______
Answer: Mausim

Question 7. The ______ monsoon winds are cold and dry.
Answer: North-east

Question 8. ______ is a cold desert in India.
Answer: Ladakh

Question 9. ______ are periodic winds that blow over India.
Answer: Monsoon

Question 10. ______ winds influence the weather of a small region.
Answer: Local

Question 11. The Mango showers are known as in______ Karnataka.
Answer: Cherry blossoms

Question 12. In India, the ______ monsoon winds blow from October-December.
Answer: North-east

Question 13. The ______ season prevails over India during October-November.
Answer: Autumn

Question 14. The Western disturbances cause ______ in north India.
Answer: Precipitation

Question 15. The Kalbaisakhi comes from the northwest, hence it is called the ______
Answer: Nor’westers

Question 16. The cyclonic winds prevailing in autumn are called ______
Answer: Ashwiner Jhor

Question 17. ______ is a flood prove region in India.
Answer: Assam valley

Question 18. The ______ jet streams help in the generation of the southwest monsoon winds.
Answer: Easterly

Question 19. In India, steppe climate prevails in ______
Answer: Eastern Rajasthan

Question 20. The dust storms occurring in Rajasthan are known as______
Answer: Aandhi

Question 21. The______ winds are a larger edition of the land breeze and sea breeze.
Answer: Monsoon

Question 22. The first rainfall occurring at the beginning of the rainy season is called the ______
Answer: Burst of monsoon

Question 23. The hot winds blowing over Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan during summer are called ______
Answer: Loo

Question 24. The monsoon winds are ______
Answer: Seasonal

Question 25. About______ % of total rainfall in India occurs in the rainy season.
Answer: 72

Question 26. The temperature of North India is ______ than that of South India in summer, keeping the weather calm.
Answer: Lower

Question 27. The ______ generating in the Pacific Ocean
Answer: La Nina

Chapter 5 Indian-Physical Environment Topic 4 Climate Of India Answer In One Or Two Words

Question 1. Which place in India receives the highest rainfall?
Answer: Mawsynram.

Question 2. Which is the main controlling factor of India’s climate?
Answer: Monsoon winds.

Question 3. Name a rain shadow area in India.
Answer: Shillong.

Question 4. Which wind blows over India in winter?
Answer: North-east monsoon winds.

Question 5. What is the pre-monsoon wild wind known as in Assam?
Answer: Bordoichila.

Question 6. When do Western disturbances occur?
Answer: Winter.

Question 7. What kind of climate prevails in the Ladakh plateau?
Answer: Cold desert climate.

Question 8. What is Aandhi?
Answer: A dust storm occurs in summer in Rajasthan.

Question 9. Name the thunderstorm that occurs in West Bengal in summer.
Answer: Kalbaisakhi.

Question 10. What kind of climate prevails in India?
Answer: Tropical monsoon climate.

Question 11. What does the term monsoon mean?
Answer: Season.

Question 12. Which region in India receives rainfall twice a year?
Answer: Coromandel coast in Tamil Nadu.

Question 13. Which region in India receives very less rainfall?
Answer: Thar desert in Rajasthan/Dras in Ladakh.

Question 14. What are thunderstorms that occur in autumn called?
Answer: Ashwiner Jhor.

Question 15. Which mountains help to cause rainfall from the southwest monsoon winds?
Answer: Himalayas.

Question 16. Where does El Nino originate?
Answer: Over the South Pacific Ocean.

Question 17. Which slope of the Himalayas is comparatively warmer?
Answer: Southern slope.

Question 18. Which season is mostly influenced by Western disturbances?
Answer: Winter season.

Question 19. Which season is mostly influenced by the Easterly jet?
Answer: Rainy season.

Question 20. Over which sea of India originates more cyclones?
Answer: Bay of Bengal.

Question 21. Which winds cause maximum rainfall in India?
Answer: South-west monsoon winds.

Question 22. Which is the hottest month in India?
Answer: May.

Question 23. When does Ashwiner Jhor occur?
Answer: October-November.

 

Chapter 5 Indian-Physical Environment Match The Left Column With The Right Column

 

1.

Left Column Right Column
1.  Kalbaisakhi A.  North-west India
2. Aandhi B. Brahmaputra Valley
3. Bordoichila C. Odisha and the coastal region of West Bengal
4. Mango showers D. Lower Ganga plains
5. Ashwiner Jhor E. Kerala

Answer: 1-C,2-D,3-E,4-A,5-B

2.

Left Column Right Column
1.  India A.  Hot dry wind
2.  Mawsynram B. Highest rainfall in the world
3.  Autumn C.  Identified climate regions of India
4. Loo D. Monsoon climate
5. Koppen ‘ E. Retreat of south-west monsoon monsoon

Answer: 1-B,2-C,3-A,4-D,5-E

3.

Left Column Right Column 
 1.  Easterly jet A. North-east monsoon
2.  Westerly jet B.  Thar desert
3. Burst of monsoon C.  South-west monsoon
4. Western disturbances D. Rainfall and snowfall in winter
5. Desert climate E. Onset of the rainy season

Answer: 1-D,2-A,3-E,4-C,5-B

4.

Left Column Right Column
1. Heavy rainfall A.  Sandy soil
2. Hot and less rainfall B.  Clayey soil
3. Wet climate C. Drought in India
4. Seasonal rainfall D.  Red soil
5. El Nino E. Deciduous trees

Answer: 1-D,2-A,3-E,4-B,5-C

 

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