CHAPTER – 7 - CLIMATE

Choose the correct option

Question 1
India experiences which type of climate?
1. Temperate climate
2. Tropical Monsoon climate
3. Temperate Continental Climate
4. Mediterranean Climate
Answer
Tropical Monsoon climate
Question 2
The Deccan Plateau gets less rainfall than the Western Ghats because :
1. it lies in the way of South West Monsoon winds.
2. it lies in the rainshadow area of the Himalayas.
3. it lies in the rainshadow area of the Western Ghats.
4. it is triangular in shape.
Answer
it lies in the rainshadow area of the Western Ghats.
Question 3
What causes the winter rain along the Coromandel Coast?
1. Sea breeze
2. Retreating monsoon
3. South-west monsoon
4. Western disturbances
Answer
Retreating monsoon
Question 4
Which of the following is NOT a source of rainfall for Punjab and Haryana?
1. Western disturbances
2. Arabian Sea branch of South-west monsoon
3. Bay of Bengal branch of South-west monsoon
4. Retreating monsoon.
Answer
Retreating monsoon
Question 5
Which of the following factors does not affect the climate of a place?
1. Varied relief
2. The Monsoon Winds
3. Distance from the Sea
4. Presence of vegetation.
Answer
Presence of vegetation
Question 6
Western disturbances become active in northern India during which season?
1. Summer
2. Winter
3. Spring
4. Monsoon
Answer
Winter
Question 7
The summer monsoon winds blow in which direction?
1. North-East
2. South-West
3. North-West
4. South-East
Answer
South-West
Question 8
Which of the following is good for the cultivation of tea and jute?
1. Mango showers
2. Loo
3. Kalbaisakhi
4. None of the above.
Answer
Kalbaisakhi
Question 9
Where does the Arabian Sea branch join the Bay of Bengal branch?
1. In Punjab and Haryana
2. In Western Ghats
3. In Chota Nagpur Plateau
4. In the Sahyadris.
Answer
In Punjab and Haryana
Question 10
What causes the 'October Heat'?
1. High temperature and heavy rainfall.
2. Reduced temperature and heavy rainfall.
3. High temperature and humidity.
4. Reduced temperature and humidity.
Answer
High temperature and humidity
Question 11
Which state in India is the first to experience the onset of the monsoon and the last to see its withdrawal?
1. Tamil Nadu
2. Kerala
3. West Bengal
4. Andaman and Nicobar
Answer
Kerala
Question 12
Why do the interior parts of the Deccan remain dry during the Retreating monsoon?
1. Because they lie in the rainshadow of the Eastern Ghats.
2. Because they lie parallel to the Eastern Ghats.
3. Because they lie in the rainshadow of the Western Ghats.
4. Because they lie parallel to the Arabian Sea Branch.
Answer
Because they lie in the rainshadow of the Eastern Ghats.
Question 13
Climate of India is strongly influenced by ............... .
1. Trade winds
2. Loo
3. Easterly winds
4. Monsoon winds
Answer
Monsoon winds
Question 14
Which of the following factors cause the rise in the temperature of mainland of India in the month of March?
1. The land breeze blows towards the sea
2. The pressure belts shift.
3. Southward migration of the Sun from the equator.
4. Northward migration of the Sun from the equator.
Answer
Northward migration of the Sun from the equator.
Question 15
Which of the following areas get rainfall from the Retreating monsoon?
1. West Coast of India
2. East Coast of India
3. Western Ghats
4. Thar desert
Answer
East Coast of India
Question 16
The temperature decreases with increasing altitude at the rate of
1. 2° C for every 140m
2. 1° C for every 32m
3. 6° C for every 500m
4. 1° C for every 166m
Answer
1° C for every 166m
Question 17
The SW monsoon blows in summer from
1. SE to NW
2. SW to NE
3. NE to SW
4. NW to SW
Answer
SW to NE
Question 18
Monsoon winds are
1. Local winds
2. Westerlies
3. Periodic winds
4. Easterlies
Answer
Periodic winds
Question 19
The local winds Kali Baisakhi are accompanied by heavy rainfall. It is good for
1. wheat crop
 2. cotton crop
3. tea crop
4. coffee crop
Answer
tea crop
Question 20
SW monsoon winds pick up moisture from
1. Bay of Bengal
2. Arabian sea
3. Indian ocean
4. Mediterranean sea
Answer
Arabian sea
Question 21
The Retreating monsoon causes winter rain in
1. Punjab
2. Haryana
3. Gujarat
4. Tamil Nadu
Answer
Tamil Nadu
Question 22
Cold season extends from
1. June to September
2. March to May
3. October to November
4. December to February
Answer
December to February
Question 23
Loo, the hot dusty winds blow in the month of
1. May
2. December
3. October
4. January
Answer
May
Question 24
North East Monsoon blows in the direction of
1. Southwest to Northeast
2. West to East
3. Northeast to Southwest
4. Northwest to Southeast
Answer
Northeast to Southwest
Question 25
Western disturbances originate in the
1. Arabian sea
2. Bay of Bengal
3. Indian ocean
 4. Mediterranean Sea
Answer
Mediterranean Sea

Answer the following questions

Question 1
Name the factors affecting the climate of a place.
Answer
The factors affecting the climate of a place are:
1. Location — Climate of a place depends on its location. Places located in tropical region are hotter than
the places located in temperate region.
2. Altitude — The temperature decreases with increase in the height at the rate 1°C for every 166 m.
Therefore, places situated on height have temperate climate.
3. Distance from sea — Places situated near sea have moderate climate while places situated away from
sea have extreme type of climate.
4. Physical features — Presence of mountain ranges often decide the climate of a place. For example, the
Himalayas act as a barrier to the incoming cold Siberian winds. They also intercept the monsoon winds
resulting in heavy rainfall in Indo-Gangetic plain.
Question 2
Name the type of climate of India.
Answer
The climate of India is Tropical Monsoon Type.
Question 3
What is the chief characteristic feature of the tropical monsoon type of climate?
Answer
The chief characteristic feature of the tropical monsoon type of climate is alteration of seasons.
Question 4
What are onshore winds and offshore winds?
Answer
Onshore winds — Wind that blows from the sea towards the land is called onshore winds.
Offshore winds — Winds that blows from the land towards the Sea is called offshore winds.
Question 5
State the importance of Monsoon season in India.
Answer
The monsoon season is important for a number of reasons in India:
1. Agriculture — The monsoon season is crucial for agriculture in India, as it provides the necessary
moisture for crops to grow. Many of the crops in India, such as rice, wheat, and sugarcane, rely on the
monsoon rains to provide the necessary water for their growth.
2. Water resources — The monsoon season replenishes the water resources in India, including rivers,
lakes, and reservoirs. This is especially important in regions that rely on these sources of water for
irrigation, drinking, and other purposes.
3. Economy — The monsoon season is also important for the economy of India, as it supports many
sectors of the economy, including agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
Question 6
Name a few local winds that pass through India.
Answer
Local winds that pass through India are:
1. Kali Baisakhi
2. Loo
 3. Mango Showers
Question 7
Which is the more important branch — the Arabian Sea Branch or the Bay of Bengal Branch? Why?
Answer
The Arabian Sea Branch is more important branch because of the following reasons:
1. Arabian Sea Branch is almost thrice the volume of the Bay of Bengal Branch.
2. Arabian Sea Branch provides rain in the entire country while the Bay of Bengal branch provides rain in
north-eastern part only.
Question 8
Which is the first state to receive the monsoon winds and the last to see its retreat in India?
Answer
Kerala is the first state to receive the monsoon winds and the last to see its retreat in India.
Question 9
State two important characteristic features of the Indian monsoons.
Answer
Two important characteristic features of the Indian monsoons are:
1. Indian monsoons are erratic, unpredictable, irregular and unevenly distributed.
2. Indian monsoons are orographic in nature. The effects caused due to the Himalayas and the Western
Ghats bring most of the monsoon rainfall.
Question 10
Name the different seasons of India, stating the months when they are experienced.
Answer
The different seasons of India are:
1. The Hot Dry Season — March to May
2. The Rainy Season or the season of South-West Monsoon — June to September.
3. The season of retreating South-West Monsoon — October to November
4. The Cold season or the season of North-East Monsoon — December to February
Question 11
What is the meaning of the word 'monsoon'?
Answer
The word Monsoon has been derived from the Arabic word 'Mausim' which means season.
Question 12
How are monsoon winds different from the land and sea breezes?
Answer
Monsoon winds are different from the land and sea breezes in the following ways:
S.
Monsoon Winds Land & Sea Breezes
No.

Monsoon winds are seasonal winds that occur Land and Sea Breezes are daily local winds that
1.
at specific times of the year. occur throughout the year.

Monsoon winds are generally stronger and

Land and Sea Breezes are generally weaker and
2. more persistent than land and sea breezes, and
more local in nature.
can bring heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Monsoon winds are formed by the difference in Land and Sea Breezes are formed by the
3. temperature between the land and the sea or difference in temperature between the land
ocean on a large scale. and the sea or ocean at a local scale

4. Monsoon winds can have a significant impact Land and Sea Breezes are generally more local
on the weather and climate of a region. in nature and have a smaller impact on the
 S.
Monsoon Winds Land & Sea Breezes
No.

overall weather and climate of an area.

Question 13
Why are there great variations in India's climate?
Answer
There are great variations in India's climate because of presence of different physical features and the large
extent of the country. Following are the factors that cause variations in India's climate:
1. The places lying to the north of Tropic of Cancer experience continental type of climate while places
lying to the south of Tropic of Cancer experience hot climate with average temperature of 25°C to 27°C
throughout the year.
2. The places situated on the vast east-west coastline of India experience equable or maritime type of
climate with annual temperature range of about 3°C to 5°C whereas the places in the interior north have
the annual temperature range upto 20°C.
3. The Monsoon are erratic, unpredictable, irregular and unevenly distributed. Due to this the annual
rainfall varies from about 1187 cm at Mawsynram in Cherrapunji, the highest in the world to less than
25 cm in Thar desert in Rajasthan.
4. Places situated at higher altitudes are cooler as compared to places in the plains.
5. Presence of the Himalayan range also influences the climate of India by obstructing Siberian winds and
intercepting Monsoon winds.
Question 14
Give reasons to justify that Himalayas act as a perfect climatic divide.
Answer
The Himalayas act as a perfect climatic divide because:
1. The great Himalayan range obstructs the bitter cold winds from Siberia from entering the Indian
Subcontinent.
2. The Himalayan range intercepts the rain-bearing south-west monsoon winds, forcing them to shed their
moisture, resulting in heavy rainfall in the North-East and Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Question 15
Which winds are responsible for the rain experienced over the greater part of India?
Answer
The South-West Monsoon winds are responsible for the rain experienced over the greater part of India.
Question 16
During which part of the year is the rain experienced in India?
Answer
India experiences rain in the months from June to September which is the season of the South-West Monsoon.
Question 17
How are the sources of rainfall in the north-west part of India different from the rain experienced on the
eastern coastal areas in winter?
Answer
The winter rainfall in the north-west part of India occurs due to westerly depressions or temperate cyclones
originating in the Mediterranean sea. On the contrary the rainfall experienced on the eastern coastal areas in
winter is due to North-East monsoon winds.
Question 18
Why does Kanyakumari experience an equable climate?
Answer
Kanyakumari experience an equable climate because of land breeze and sea breeze as it is situated on sea
coast.
Question 19
Why does central Maharashtra receive scanty rainfall?
Answer
Maharashtra receives scanty rainfall because it lies in the rain shadow of Western Ghats.
Question 20
Why is western part of India a desert region?
Answer
The western part of India gets very less rainfall due to following reasons:
1. The Aravali's alignment is parallel to rain-bearing South-West Monsoon winds and as such they do not
offer any obstruction. Furthermore, these hills are very low.
2. The moisture-laden winds passing over Rajasthan do not saturate as the heat in the desert region
increases their capacity to hold moisture. Thus they reach Shivaliks without shedding their moisture.
Question 21
What are western disturbances?
Answer
Western disturbances are Westerly depressions or Temperate cyclones originating in the Mediterranean sea.
They cause winter rain in Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh and snowfall in Himalayan belts.
Question 22
Name one part of India that receives rainfall in winter and summer as well.
Answer
Northern India (Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh) receives rainfall in winter and summer as well.
Question 23
Explain how retreating monsoon winds are different from the north-east trades.
Answer
Sl.
No Retreating Monsoon North-East Trades
.

The retreating south west monsoon winds blow North east Monsoon winds are offshore winds
1.
from N.E. to S.W. during October and November. that blow from North East to South West.

Retreating Monsoon winds are prevalent in North-East Trade winds are prevalent from
2.
October-November. December to March.

These winds cause rainfall to coromandel coast

2. These winds cause heavy rain in Tamil Nadu.
in the east.
Question 24
Name a place in India which receives the heaviest rainfall. To which state does this place belong?
Answer
Mawsynram receives the heaviest rainfall in the world. This place belongs to Meghalaya State of India.
Question 25
Name the winds that are responsible for causing heaviest rainfall in the region.
Answer
The Bay of Bengal branch of South-West monsoon winds is responsible for causing heaviest rainfall in the
region.
Question 26
What is meant by a 'rain shadow' area? Give an example and state the mountains responsible for the rain
shadow area.
Answer
The leeward side of the mountain that do not receive or receive very less rainfall is called rain shadow area. For
example, Maharashtra gets very less rainfall as it is the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats.
Question 27
Name the winds that bring rain to the Tamil Nadu coast.
Answer
North-East Monsoon winds bring rains to the Tamil Nadu coast.
Question 28
Give reasons :
1. In spite of the Aravalis many parts of Rajasthan do not receive much rain.
2. The Malabar coast has less rainy months but receives more rain than Coromandal Coast.
3. Punjab has three sources of rain.
4. Mawsynram receives more rain than Shillong.
Answer
1. In spite of the Aravalis many parts of Rajasthen do not receive much rain because the Aravalis do not
obstruct the Monsoon winds due to their parallel alignment to the winds and low heights of Aravalis.
2. The Malabar coast receive more rainfall because of the strong Arabian sea branch of the South-west
monsoon while Coromandal Coast gets its share of rainfall from North-East Monsoon which is weaker
and has less capacity.
3. Punjab has three sources of rain as it gets its share from the Arabian sea branch, the Bay of Bengal
branch (deflected from the eastern parts) and the western disturbances.
4. Mawsynram lies in the windward side while Shillong lies in the leeward side of Khasi hills. Therefore,
Mawsynram receives more rain than Shillong.
Question 29
Explain how is the winter rain caused. How is this rain beneficial?
Answer
The winter rain is caused by Western Disturbances in North and North-East Monsoon winds in Tamil Nadu. In
northern India, rain is caused by Westerly depressions or Temperate cyclones originating in Mediterranean Sea.
These rains are beneficial for rabi crops like wheat and Barley. The winter rains caused by North-East Monsoon
winds brings rainfall to Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh. This rainfall is heavy, stormy and destructive
for crops.
Question 33
Refer to the Data of Chennai, Pune, New Delhi and Kolkata to answer this question.
Answer the following questions:
1. Calculate the annual range of temperature.
2. What is the total rainfall experienced by the station?
3. When does the station receive maximum rainfall? State a reason for your answer.
Altitude
Statio
in J F M A M J J A S O N D
n
Metre

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
T° 2 27 24 24
2. 6. 9. 9. 5. 5. 2. 0.
C 1 .5 .5 .8
6 3 2 7 1 5 5 5
55
Pune R
9 0. 0. 0. 1
c 1. 2. 11 9. 13 9. 2. 0.
1 1 1 6.
m 5 7 .4 0 .4 0 7 3
5 5 5 7
s

Mumb T 2 2 2 2 3 28 2 27 27 2 2 2
 4. 4. 6. 8. 0. 7. 8. 7. 5.
.9 .2 .2
4 4 7 3 0 2 3 2 0
ai 0. 0. 1. 6 4. 1.
50 37 27
R 2 2 — — 7 1. 7 0 —
.2 .0 .0
5 5 5 0 5 0

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
26 26 26
T 6. 6. 8. 9. 9. 6. 6. 7. 6.
.5 .1 .3
Manga 5 8 1 2 2 1 8 0 7
22
luru 0. 0. 0. 2. 1 94 9 59 26 2 7. 1.
R 2 1 5 8 5. .1 8. .7 .6 0. 2 2
8 8 2 9 7 8 8 4 2 7 4 9

2 2 2 3 2 20 2 29 29 2 2 2
T 5. 6. 8. 0. 1. .0 0. .0 .0 8. 6. 5.
Madur 13 0 5 7 6 2 8 2 8 2 0 4 2
ai 3 1. 1. 1. 5. 6. 4. 1 1
2. 16 11 5.
R 9 2 7 4 9 9 8. 4.
98 .2 .9 1
7 4 7 8 5 4 8 5

2 3 2
2 2 3 3 32 29 2 2
T 4. 0. 30 4.
6 8 0 2 .5 .7 8 6
Chenn 5 7 6
ai 2 3 1
2. 0. 0. 1. 4. 5. 9. 11 12
R 8. 4. 3.
8 7 7 5 5 1 5 .3 .4
1 5 6

1 1 2 1
0. 2. 8. 21 23 20 8. 3.
T 3. 7. 4. 4.
3 6 3 .9 .8 .2 1 3
Srinag 15 1 7 4 0
ar 86 7. 9. 9. 1. 5. 2. 1. 3.
7. 3. 6. 3.
R 3 1 2 6 9 9 1 3
1 56 15 89
9 7 7 5 2 7 2 5

1 1 2 2 3 3 2 1 1
33 29 29
T 3. 6. 1. 7. 3. 0. 5. 9. 5.
.6 .8 .2
New 21 8 6 6 8 2 9 7 7 2
Delhi 6 1
2. 2. 1. 0. 1. 7. 18 12 1. 0. 1.
R 7.
5 1 3 8 3 7 .4 .3 0 2 0
9

1 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 1
29 28 28
T 9. 1. 6. 9. 0. 8. 7. 2. 9.
.4 .3 .3
Kolkat 4 7 7 4 6 9 2 8 4
6
a 1 3 1
0. 2. 3. 4. 30 32 25 1. 0.
R 4. 1. 0.
7 8 6 8 .2 .3 .1 8 4
5 8 6
 2 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 2
28
T 1. 3. 7. 1. 3. 33 9. 29 9. 6. 2.
.5
Ahme 7 3 9 7 9 8 4 2 7
50
dabad 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.
0. 9. 3 20 10 0.
R 1 1 1 9 8 3
2 3 1 .4 6 1
5 3 3 9 9 6
Answer
Chennai
(a) Annual Range of temperature = 32.5 - 24.5 = 8
(b) Total rainfall = 2.8 + 0.7 + 0.7 + 1.5 + 4.5 + 5.1 + 9.5 + 11.3 + 12.4 + 28.1 + 34.5 + 13.6 = 124.7
(c) Chennai received maximum rainfall in the month of November. The North-East Monsoon winds after
crossing the Bay of Bengal gather enough moisture. As they, strike the Coromandal coast, they bring heavy
rainfall to Chennai and Tamil Nadu in the month of November.
Pune
(a) Annual range of temperature = 29.7 - 20.5 = 9.2
(b) Total rainfall = 0.15 + 0.15 + 0.15 + 1.5 + 2.7 + 11.4 + 16.7 + 9.0 + 13.4 + 9.0 + 2.7 + 0.3 = 67.15
(c) Pune receives maximum rainfall in the month of July because it gets its rainfall from south-west monsoon
which strikes the western coast in June but the total rainfall is less because Pune lies in the rain shadow of
western ghats.
New Delhi
(a) Annual range of temperature = 33.6 - 13.8 = 19.8
(b) Total rainfall = 2.5 + 2.1 + 1.3 + 0.8 + 1.3 + 7.7 + 17.9 + 18.4 + 12.3 + 1.0 + 0.2 + 1.0 = 66.5
(c) Delhi receives maximum rainfall in August as it gets its rainfall from south-west monsoons which reaches
Delhi by that time.
Kolkata
(a) Annual range of temperature = 30.6 - 19.4 = 11.2
(b) Total rainfall = 0.7 + 2.8 + 3.6 + 4.8 + 14.5 + 30.2 + 31.8 + 32.3 + 25.1 + 10.6 + 1.8 + 0.4 = 158.6
(c) Kolkata receives maximum rainfall in August as it gets rainfall from the Bay of Bengal Branch of the monsoon
which reaches the eastern coast (Calcutta) by then.
Question 34
Give reasons for the following:
1. Mumbai gets more rainfall than Pune
2. The moisture laden winds passing over Rajasthan do not saturate.
3. S.W. monsoon withdraws from India in October/November.
Answer
1. Mumbai is located on the western coast of India, while Pune is located further inland. The Western
Ghats obstruct the South West Monsoon winds. Mumbai lies on the windward side of Western Ghats
and receives heavy rainfall from South West Monsoon. Pune lies on the leeward side of Western Ghats
and hence, receives very less rainfall.
2. The moisture laden winds passing over Rajasthan do not saturate because the heat in the desert region
increases their capacity to hold moisture.
3. By 1st September, with the apparent movement of the sun towards south, the low pressure in central
India starts weakening, and is no longer able to attract the monsoon winds towards land. During
Autumn equinox when the sun shines directly over Equator, the high pressure begins to build over
mainland and subsequently with low pressure over the sea, S.W. monsoon withdraws from India in
October/November.
Question 35
Answer in one word :
 1. Withdrawal of SW monsoon.
2. Low pressure depressions during winter in North West India.
3. Land and sea breeze on a large scale.
Answer
1. Retreating Monsoon
2. Western disturbance
3. Monsoon Winds

Very Short Questions

Question 1: What are ‘Western Disturbances’?
Answer: Mediterranean Depressions originating over the Mediterranean Sea. These bring rain in winter to N.W.
India.
Question 2: What is the most important feature of the tropical monsoon type of climate?
Answer: The most important feature of the tropical monsoon type of climate is alternation of Seasons.
Question 3: Define ‘monsoon’?
Answer: The word Monsoon is derived from the Arabic language which means Mansoon or weather.
Question 4: State the main factors that affect the climate of Indian sub-continent.
Answer: Its latitudinal extent, presence of the Himalayas, and presence of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and
Bay of Bengal in the south affect the climate of India.
Question 5: Mention the cause of winter showers in Western Uttar Pradesh?
Answer: Westerly depressions originating in the Mediterranean Sea, cyclones are caused which give winter
showers in Western Uttar Pradesh.
Question 6: Which parallel of latitude divides India into the northern and southern halves.
Answer: Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N latitude).
Question 7: Name the state in India through which the standard meridian of India and the Tropic of Cancer pass
covering the longest distance.
Answer: Madhya Pradesh is the state in India where standard meridian of India, as well as the Tropic of Cancer
pass covering the longest distance.
Short Questions
Question 1: Give two important characteristics of the South West Monsoon rainfall.
Answer: Characteristics of SW monsoon are:
(i) Orographic in nature.
(ii) Uncertain in amount and time.
Question 2: What is the direction of the summer monsoon?
Answer: South West. The intense heat that prevails over India causes the development of low pressure over the
northern plains. It attracts the moisture bearing South East Trade winds from the southern hemisphere. After
crossing the equator they are deflected to the right and blow over India as the south west monsoon winds.
Question 3: Which type of climate is experienced in the Northern Plains of India? State one main characteristic
of this type of climate.
Answer: The northern plains experiences ‘continental’ type of climate as it is far away from the oceanic effect.
The main characteristics of this type of climate is, that it experiences extremes of temperature in the months of
summer and winter i.e. it is extremely hot in summer and extremely cold in winter.
Question 4: Why are there great variations in the climate of the Indian sub-continent.
Answer: India has diverse conditions. There are sharp variations in temperature and precipitation from place to
place and Season to Season. The Indian climate is controlled by the following factors:
(i) Situation (ii) Relief (iii) Surface winds (iv) Upper current.
Question 5: Describe the process of retreat in case of summer monsoon.
Answer: By mid-September the South-West monsoon begins to withdraw from the Indian sub-continent. The
retreating process gets accelerated gradually as the pressure over the land gets higher than the Sea. Cool winds
begin to blow from the north and the South-West monsoon starts moving backward.
Question 6: State two important characteristic features of the monsoon rainfall in India.
Answer: (i) Reversal of wind system.
(ii) Uneven distribution of rainfall over the year.
Question 7: How are the sources of rainfall in the North-west part of India different from the rainfall
experienced on the coastal areas of Eastern India in winter?
Answer: North-west India—Summer: South-west Monsoons (Bay of Bengal stream), Winter: Winter cyclones
from Mediterranean Sea.
Coastal regions of Eastern India—Winter or North-east Monsoon or Retreating Monsoons.
Question 8: Name an area which receives rain in winter. What causes rainfall in this region and how does it
benefit agriculture?
Answer: (i) Indo-Gangetic Plain receives rain in winter. Due to the temperate cyclones coming from the
Mediterranean Sea these cyclonic rains are beneficial to crops of wheat and barley.
(ii) Chennai Coast and parts of Tamil Nadu from the winter monsoon. It helps in rice cultivation.
Question 9: What is ‘October Heat’?
Answer: The retreating of monsoon winds results in clearing the sky. Consequently, the temperature increases.
The land is still moist in these months. Owing to the high temperature, the humidity becomes very oppressive.
This state of weather is known as October Heat.

Long Questions
Question 1: Describe the climatic conditions which prevail over India during different Seasons.
Answer:
1. The Cold Season: The cold Season lasts from December to February.
(a) Temperature: The sun is over head at Tropic of Capricorn. India has winter Season. January is the
coldest month. The Southern parts have warm conditions (20°C) while low temperatures (10°C) are
found in North-West India.
 (b) Pressure and Winds: High pressure is developed over N.W. part while a low pressure exists over
Indian Ocean with the result winds blow from land to Sea. The out-blowing winds are Westerly in
Northern plain and North Easterly over the rest of the country.
(c) Rainfall: The North-east Monsoons are off-shore wind and are dry but these winds pick up some
moisture while crossing Bay of Bengal and give rain to South-east coast of India. Some cyclones from
Mediterranean Sea also bring a small amount of rain (10 to 20 cm.) to Northern plains. Night frost is
common in the North-west parts.
2. The Hot Season: The hot Season lasts from March to May.
(a) Temperature: As the sun’s rays fall vertical over Tropic of Cancer, the temperature begins to rise. The
average temperature is above 30°C, the maximum temperature rises to 50°C in Barmer (Rajasthan). The
daily range of temperature rises in inland areas.
(b) Pressure and Winds: Intense heat results in the development of low pressure over North-West India.
A high pressure exists over Indian Ocean. South-West Monsoons begin to blow from Sea to land. ‘Nor-
westers’ and ‘Loo’ blow over Northern plains.
(c) Rainfall: Some areas receive convectional rainfall. The west coast also starts receiving rainfall. Most
of the country is dry in title pre-Monsoon period.
3. The Rainy Season: The rainy Season lasts from June to September.
(a) Temperature: The sun shines vertical over Tropic of Cancer. The temperatures are more than 30°C.
With the onset of monsoon there is a drop in temperature (5°C to 10°C) with the result, July is not the
hottest month.
(b) Pressure and Winds: South-West Monsoons blow from Sea to land with a ‘burst’ on the West Coast.
It blows in two currents.
(I) The Arabian Sea Current (II) The Bay of Bengal Current.
(c) Rainfall: Most of the parts of India receive rainfall in this Season. The Arabian Sea branch gives heavy
rainfall on the west coast, but Deccan plateau lies in rain shadow of western Ghats. The Bay of Bengal
branch gives heavy rainfall in Eastern Himalayas. The rainfall goes on decreasing up the Ganges Valley
with the decrease in moisture. Rajasthan is practically a desert.
Question 2: Give two important characteristics of the summer monsoon rainfall in India.
Answer: Two important characteristics of the summer monsoon rainfall in India are as follows:
(i) The monsoon rainfall in India is unevenly spread and sporadic. Thus places like the western Ghats receive
heavy rainfall of more than 200 cm whereas the desert regions of Rajasthan receive scanty rainfall of less 50 cm
a year.
(ii) Monsoon rainfall in India is orographic in nature. Thus the windward slopes of the Western Ghats receive
more rain than the leeward slopes.
Question 3: (i) Give an account of distribution of annual rainfall in India.
(ii) Explain how it is related to the relief, with examples.
Answer: (i) The average annual rainfall of India is 110 cm. Regional variations in the distribution are found due
to differences in relief of the country. Rainfall is unevenly distributed throughout the country. India can be
divided into the following rainfall regions:
Areas of heavy rainfall: These areas get more than 200 cm, of annual rainfall. These include Western Coast and
Western Ghats, Sub-Himalayas, and the North-east parts of India.
Areas of moderate rainfall: These areas get annual rainfall of 100-200 cm. These include West: Bengal, Orissa,
Bihar, Eastern parts of U.P., and Madhya Pradesh; coastal plains of Tamil Nadu.
Areas of very little rain: Jammu-Kashmir, Western Rajasthan (Thar Desert).
(ii) The Western Ghats: places to the windward side of the Ghats, e.g., Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore, Kerala coast
get heavy rain, Places on the leeward side like Pune, the Deccan plateau, Chennai, get less rain.
Garo-Khasi Hills: Cherrapunji which is favourably situated in these hills, gets entrapped in the Bay of Bengal
branch of the S.W. Monsoon and gets very heavy rain, Shillong which lies on the leeward side of these Hills gets
less rain.
Aravalli Hills: These hills run parallel to the Arabian Sea branch of the S.W. Monsoon and is not conducive to
rain. Besides, the Bay of Bengal winds of the S.W. Monsoon coming from the east is blocked and hence
Rajasthan lying on the leeward side of these Hills, gets little rain. This is why Thar is a desert.
The Himalaya Mountains block the Bay of Bengal branch of the S.W. Monsoon from crossing the mountains. The
places on the southern slopes of the Mountains get heavy rain.

Question 4: State three dominant characteristics of the monsoon.

Answer: The dominant characteristics of monsoon are:
(i) Seasonal reversal of direction in the winds system. The monsoon winds blow from land to Sea in winters and
from Sea to land in summers.
(ii) Seasonal heavy rainfall and drought are common features of the monsoon.
(iii) Inspite of local variation in climatic conditions, it unites the whole sub-continent in a single climatic thread
of monsoon type of climate.
Question 5: (i) ‘Rainfall decreases as one travels up the Ganges Valley.’ Why?
(ii) What is the direction of the summer monsoon on the Indo-Gangetic Plain?
Answer: (i) A branch of Summer Monsoon from Bay of Bengal moves up the Ganges Valley, it moves westwards
along the Himalayas. The lower Ganges Valley receives the rainfall first and the upper Ganges Valley later on.
Kolkata has an annual rainfall of 160 cm. As the branch of monsoon moves westward, it gets drier and drier. So
it gives less rainfall. Varanasi gets 104 cm. of rainfall, Delhi gets 66 cm of rainfall.
(ii) Their direction on the Indo-Gangetic plain is east-west.
Question 6: The Coromandel coast has more rainy months but less rainfall than the Konkan Coast. Why?
Answer: Konkan Coast faces on-shore S. W. Monsoons during summer. These moist laden winds give heavy
rainfall (more than 300 cm.). But these winds do not give much rainfall on the Coromandel Coast as it lies in the
rain shadow of Western Ghats. Coromandel Coast also receives winter rainfall from N. E. monsoons, but on
Konkan Coast these winds are off. shore and do not give any rainfall. N. E. Monsoon is a dry wind as it blows
from the land. Thus, Coromandel Coast gets rainfall in both the Seasons, but the total blows amount is less than
that of Konkan Coast.
Question 7: (i) What is meant by a ‘Rain Shadow’ area?
(ii) Give one example of ‘Rain Shadow’ areas in India.
Answer: (i) The leeward side of the hill is called ‘Rain Shadow’ area which remains dry because the winds are
blocked by the hills.
(ii) An example of ‘Rain Shadow’ area in India is:
For Arabian Sea branch Chennai lies at leeward side of western ghats and falls under Rain Shadow area.
Question 8: (i) Why are there great variations in the climate of the Indian sub-continent?
(ii) Name any three local winds which blow in India and write briefly about each.
Answer: (i) There are great variations in the climate of the Indian sub-continent because of the vast longitudinal
extent and different topographical features.
(ii) Mango showers-Good for the growth of mangoes. Kerala.
Loo-Hot dry winds from Rajasthan to Western U.P.
Kalbaisakhi-Thunderstorms in West Bengal and Assam.
Question 9: Why are Himalayas called perfect climate divide? Explain their two-fold functions in this regard.
Answer: (i) Himalayas act as a shield to protect the sub-continent from the bitter cold winds of Central Asia.
(ii) They also act as a barrier for the rain bearing winds from leaving our country.
Question 10: State the climatic significance of the Himalayas to the people of South Asia.
Or
Describe the two ways in which the Himalayas influence the climate of India.
Answer: The Himalayas play a very significant role in influencing the climate of South Asia by virtue of their high
altitude, length and direction. They effectively intercept the summer monsoons coming from Bay of Bengal and
Arabian Sea and cause precipitation in the form of rain or snow. Besides, they prevent the cold continental air
masses of Central Asia from entering into India.
Give Reasons
Give Geographical Reasons for the following:
Question 1: The latitudinal extent of India is responsible for the variation in the climatic conditions which
prevail in the country.
Answer: The Northern plains lie to north of the Tropic of Cancer in the Temperate Zone. The winters are much
colder. South India lies below the Tropic of Cancer, in the tropics and gets the direct rays of the sun. Hence it is
hot through most of the year. The winters are not so cold.
Question 2: The Northern Plains of India have a Continental type of climate.
Answer: Northern plains have continental climate because it is away from the moderating influence of the sea.
Question 3: The northern plains of India do not freeze in winter.
Answer: The Himalayas prevent the bitterly cold winds of the north from entering into India and helps to keep
the temperature of the northern plains at a moderate level.
Question 4: It is cooler on the mountain slopes than in the plains during summer.
Answer: Because the temperature decreases with altitude.
Question 5: Mention why does sub-continent have Tropical Monsoon climate.
Answer: Due to the pressure system, which is well developed over the land and Sea and due to the presence of
a large land mass, and water body. Differential heating and cooling of land and water is the chief cause of the
Tropical Monsoon type of climate.
Question 6: At a place like Bhopal one can see the midday sun exactly over head twice a year, while at vidisha,
only a few kilometre north of it, one is not able to do so even once. Give the reason briefly.
Answer: Bhopal lies south of the Tropic of Cancer and Vidisha lies north of the Tropic of Cancer. Direct rays of
the sun can be experienced only till Tropic of Cancer.
Question 7: Even in summer Shimla is cooler than Delhi.
Answer: Shimla is cooler than Delhi in summer as it is located at a higher altitude than that of Delhi. Thus due
to Normal Lapse Rate Shimla enjoys a cooler climate than Delhi.
Question 8: Kochi has a lesser annual range of temperature than Agra.
Answer: Kochi has a coastal location while Agra has a continental location. Due to the influence of the moist
winds from the sea it experiences a moderate climatic condition throughout the year. Whereas Agra has
extreme temperature conditions resulting in high annual range of temperature.
Question 9: Explain why Nainital is cooler than Agra.
Answer: Nainital is a hill station located at a higher altitude. Since temperature decreases with altitude, it is
cooler as compared to Agra which lies in the interior. It experiences continental type of climate.
Question 10: Patna receives heavier rain than Delhi.
Answer: Patna receives heavier rain than Delhi because the Bay of Bengal branch of South-West Monsoon goes
up the Ganga plain as it proceeds up the Ganga valley, the amount of rain fall keeps decreasing East to West.
Since Patna is located to the east of Delhi, it receives 102 cm of rain fall while Delhi gets 50 cm of rain fall
annually.
Question 11: Mangalore is not cold even in the month of December.
Answer: Mangalore is located at the south of Tropic of Cancer along the Western Coast of India and enjoys the
moderating influence of land and sea breezes throughout the year. The climate over there being equable or
mari time type, the place does not experience any winter.
Question 12: India is known as the land of the endless growing Season. Explain.
Answer: India is known as the land of the endless growing Season because being a sub-tropical land it enjoys a
growing Season throughout the year. Growing Season is that part of the year when the growth of vegetation is
made possible by the favourable combination of temperature and rainfall.
Question 13: Explain the term ‘Burst of Monsoon’.
Answer: The sudden outbreak of the monsoon winds with an intensifying low pressure over the north-western
part of the sub-continent, associated by thunder and lightning is called the ‘Burst of Monsoon’.
Question 14: Explain the term Retreating Monsoon.
Answer: South-West Monsoons begin to withdraw from the sub-continent during the first week of October. The
sun begins to move towards equator. There is a decrease in temperature. Hot and sticky weather is found. Some
tropical cyclones are developed which give heavy rainfall in coastal areas. Cool weather begins in North-West
India, but the southern parts have an equable climate.
Question 15: The mango showers are beneficial local winds.
Answer: Mango showers are local winds which bring rain to Kerala in the month of May. It is good for the
growth of mangoes.
Question 16: Mumbai is warmer than Kanpur in December.
Answer: Because it is close to equator as well as Sea.
Question 17: Chennai has a lower annual range of temperature than Lucknow.
Answer: Chennai is located at lower latitude and is closer to the equator as compared to Lucknow. Besides
Chennai is close to Sea so its temperature gets moderated whereas Lucknow is in the interior.
Question 18: Jaipur has a higher annual range of temperature than Mumbai.
Answer: Jaipur has a higher annual range of temperature because it is in the interior and it has a continental
type of climate, Very hot in summer and Very cold in winter as it is far away from the oceanic effect, where as
Mumbai is a coastal area. It is very close to ocean and due to the oceanic effect, it has a moderate climate
which makes annual range of temperature very low.
Question 19: Why does Kanyakumari experience an equable climate?
Answer: Since, Kanyakumari is located at the top of the Indian sub-continent where the Bay of Bengal and the
Arabian Sea meet, moderating the climate making it equable or maritime.
Question 20: The North East Monsoons bring almost no rain to most of India.
Answer: The North-East Monsoon is a dry wind blowing from the Asian landmass. It collects moisture from the
Bay of Bengal. It brings less rain to east India, Chennai coast.
Question 21: Punjab gets rain in winters. Why?
Answer: Punjab gets rainfall in the winter months due to the winter monsoons. The source of winter rainfall for
Punjab is also the cyclonic rain received from western disturbances entering the Indian sub-continent from the
North-west.
Question 22: Kanyakumari is the first to receive the south-west monsoon stream and the last to see its retreat.
Answer: West coast region is the first to receive rain from the South-west monsoon. Hence, Kanyakumari is the
first to receive the South-west monsoon stream. By the first week of October the South-west monsoon begins
to withdraw from India since Kanyakumari is the last station to see the retreat of the South-west monsoon.
Question 23: Why does the Tamil Nadu coast get rainfall in October?
Answer: The south-west monsoon begins to withdraw from India by the first week of October. It leaves Jammu-
Kashmir, the Northern Plains, then peninsular India, moving southwards and westwards. When it reaches the
Chennai coast on its way backwards, it is checked by the Eastern Ghats and imparts rain to the Chennai coast.
Chennai gets about 60 cm of rain from the retreating monsoon.
Question 24: Mangalore and Chennai lie approximately on the same latitude, yet Mangalore receives its rainfall
from June to September, while Chennai receives rainfall in November and December. What is the reason of this
difference?
Answer: Since Mangalore is situated on the west coast, it receives the South-west monsoon in June but
Chennai is situated on the east coast so it receives rain from the retreating monsoon in November and
December.
Question 25: When the Malabar coast is receiving heavy rainfall in July, the Tamil Nadu coast is comparatively
dry.
Answer: When the malabar coast is receiving heavy rainfall in July the Tamil Nadu coast is dry because it lies in
rain shadow region of Arabian sea branch and Bay of Bengal is parallel to the coast.
Question 26: Western coastal plains receive more rainfall than the Eastern coastal plains.
Answer: Western coastal plain receives more rainfall than eastern coastal plain because western coastal plain
lies on the windward side of western Ghats and gets rainfall more than 200 cm but Eastern coastal plain lies on
the leeward side of the Western Ghats and gets a little rainfall (50 to 100 cm).
Question 27: Central Maharashtra receives little rainfall.
Answer: Central Maharashtra receives little rainfall because it lies in the rain shadow region of western ghats
when Arabian sea branch strikes it.
Question 28: Mention why does Mumbai receive more rainfall than Pune.
Answer: This is due to the difference in location. Mumbai is situated on the windward slope of the Western
Ghats and so it receives more rainfall whereas Pune lies on the leeward side.
Question 29: Mumbai receives rainfall in the summer season while Chennai receives rainfall from October to
December. Why?
Answer: Mumbai receives rainfall in summer season by south west monsoon, which enters into India from
western coast, where Mumbai liqs and gives it heavy rainfall but Chennai receives rainfall in the month of
October to December by the retreating monsoon and the N.E. monsoon which come from north east direction.
Question 30: Though Mangalore and Mysore are on the same latitude, Mangalore experiences more rainfall
than Mysore. Give reasons.
Answer: Mangalore experiences more rainfall than Mysore because Mangalore lies on windward side of
Western Ghats and Mysore lies on leeward side of the Western Ghats.
Question 31: Western Rajasthan receives no rain from the Arabian Sea branch of the South West Monsoon
winds.
Answer: The Arabian sea branch of South-West Monsoon strikes the Saurashtra peninsula and passes over the
western Rajasthan, parallel to the Aravalli range. It hardly causes any min in Western Rajasthan because it
undergoes thermal heating on blowing over the hot sands and gets unsaturated. As the area lies on the lee
ward side of the Aravalli range, no rain is caused.
Question 32: Thar Desert gets very little rain.
Answer: Thar desert remain practically dry because there is no transverse mountain range to check the
Monsoon which directly advances towards the Kashmir Himalaya. Of course, there is a mountain range in
Rajasthan namely the Aravalli Hills but they stretch South-west to North-east direction. Thus, the Aravalli Hills
are roughly parallel to the Arabian Sea Monsoon.
Question 33: ‘Thar desert region remains dry in the whole Season’.
Answer: Reasons for the dryness of Thar desert region: The entire region of Thar desert of the Indian Union
remains practically dry because there is no transverse mountain range to check the monsoon which directly
advances towards the Kashmir Himalayas. Of course, there is mountain range in Rajasthan, namely the Aravalli
hills but they stretch South-west to north-east , direction. Thus, the Aravalli Hills are roughly parallel to the
Arabian Sea Monsoon. This is why it does not prove an effective barrier and the Thar region lies in the rain
shadow area of these hills for the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoons coming from the Sea.
Question 34: Rajasthan receives very little rainfall.
Answer: Because it is parallel to the Aravallies.
Differentiate
Question 1: Mention two differences in the climatic conditions which prevail over Kerala and Uttar Pradesh in
the month of June.
Answer: Kerala faces the South-West Monsoon which starts by the end of May and brings heavy rain. The
climate is cooled. Uttar Pradesh on the other hand lies to the north, in the interior. It will get the rain from the
Bay of Bengal branch of the South-West Monsoon which will reach there by the end of June or beginning July.
This rain will also be much less as the winds continue dropping their moisture on the way. The plains are very
hot in the month of June.
Question 2: Equable and Extreme climates.
Answer:
Equable Climate Extreme Climate

1. In this climate summers are not very hot and In this climate summers are very hot and winters are
winters are not very cold. very cold.
2. The annual range of temperature is small. The annual range of temperature is high.
Data based Questions
Question 1: Study the climatic data provided below and answer the questions that follow:
Month J F M A M J J A S O N D
Station A
Temp °C 21.0 22.6 26.3 29.2 29.7 27.5 25.1 24.5 24.8 25.5 22.5 20.5
Rain cm 0.1 0.1 0.5 1.5 2.7 11.4 16.7 9.0 13.4 9.0 2.7 0.3
Station B
Temp °C 24.4 24.4 26.7 28.3 30.0 28.9 27.2 27.2 27.2 28.3 27.2 25.0
Rain cm 0.2 0.3 0.3 1.7 1.9 50.2 61.0 37.0 27.0 4.8 1.4 0.3
(i) Calculate the annual range of temperature of Station B.
(ii) Calculate annual rainfall of Station A.
(iii) Presuming that both the stations are located in West India, state giving a reason as to which of the two lies
on the windward side of the Western Ghats.
Answer: (i) 30°C – 24.4°C = 5.6°C.
(ii) 67.4 cms.
(iii) Station B as it gets more rainfall in the months of June, July, August.
Question 2: Given below is the climatic data of a station. Study the table and answer the questions that follow:
Month Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June July Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Temperature °C 24.5 25.7 27.7 20-4 30.0 32.5 31.0 30.2 29.8 28.0 25.9 24.7
Rainfall cm 4.6 1.3 1.3 1.8 3.8 4.5 8.7 11.3 11.9 30.6 35.0 13.9
(i) Calculate the annual rainfall experienced by the station.
(ii) What is the annual range of temperature?
(iii) Name the wettest month.
Answer: (i) Annual rainfall experienced by the station is 128.7 cm.

(iii) The wettest month is November with the highest rainfall 35.0 cm.
Question 3: Study the climatic data provided below and answer the questions that follow:
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May June Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Station A (sea level)
Temperature (°C) 24.4 28.4 20.7 29.3 30.0 29.9 29.8 27.8 26.9 26.3 25.1 24.8

Rainfall (cm) 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.6 3.8 26.6 29.6 30.5 26.5 11.9 1.1 0.2
Station B (800 m above sea level)
Temperature (°C) 8.1 8.9 15.6 20.1. 25.2 24.3 24.1 22.7 20.6 18.4 14.1 9.6

Rainfall (cm) 0.4 0.3 0.3 1.1 1.3 3.2 7.7 1.3 5.8 0.7 0.4 0.3
(i) Calculate the annual range of temperature of Station A Suggest a reason why the range is small one.
(ii) Which of the two Stations has the lower temperature? Why?
(iii) Calculate the annual rainfall of Station B.
Answer: (i) The annual range of temperature of Station ‘A’ is 9.3°C. The range of tempera-ture is small because
the Station ‘A’ is situated close to sea.
(ii) Station ‘B’ has the lower temperature because it is situated 800m above sea level (as we move on the higher
altitude the temperature decreases).
(iii) The annual rainfall of station B is = 31.8 cm.
Question 4: Given below is the climatic data of a station. Study the table and answer the questions that follow:
Month J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature in Degree C. 13.7 16.6 21.6 25.5 33.2 33.5 30.8 29.8 29.2 25.5 19.6 15.2
Rainfall in cms. 2.5 2.0 1.5 0.9 1.5 7.5 17.8 18.5 12.5 1.0 0.2 1.5
(i) Calculate the annual range of temperature.
(ii) What is the total rainfall experienced by the station?
(iii) Which is the driest month?
Answer: (i) The annual range of temperature = highest temperature of the year – lowest temperature of the
year
= 33.5 – 13.7 = 19.8°C.
The annual range of temperature is 19.8°C.
(ii) The total rainfall experienced by the station = 67.4 cm.
(iii) The driest month is November (0.2 cm rain).
Question 5: Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow:
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temperature °C 23.1 24.8 26.5 29.3 32 32.8 33.1 32.1 30.5 29.3 28.7 26.1
Rainfall cm 15.3 10.1 0.3 0.1 1.3 4.5 6.1 10.2 10.5 20.1 16.8 19.0
(i) Calculate the annual rainfall experienced by the station.
(ii) Suggest a name of this station, giving a reason for your answer.
(iii) Name the season during which the rainfall is heaviest.
Answer: (i) Annual rainfall is 114.3 cm.
(ii) Suggested name is Chennai. Because the station is receiving most of its rain in October and November.
(iii) Retreating monsoon season.
Question 6: Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow:
Month Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct. Nov. Dec.
°C 25.0 25.5 26.3 27.1 30.0 36.2 36.0 35.9 30.3 28.4 27.0 24.6
cm 24.5 23.1 15.0 2.4 0.1 11.0 9.3 7.2 4.0 9.4 14.5 20.4
(i) Calculate the annual temperature range.
(ii) What is the total annual rainfall?
(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.
Answer: (i) Annual Range of temperature = 26.2°C – 24.6°C = 11.6°C.
(ii) Total Annual Rainfall = 24.5 + 23.1 + 15.0 + 2.4 + 0.1 + 11.0 + 9.3 + 7.2 + 4.0 + 9.4 + 14.5 + 20.4 = 140.9 cm.
(iii) The station is located on the eastern coast of India, because heavy rainfall is observed in winter season.
Question 7: (i) Study the table given below and answer the questions that follows:
Station Months J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature in °C 12.7 15.1 22.1 31.8 37.2 39.1 37.3 33.4 28 26.7 16.1 13.6
A
Rainfall in cms 2.1 2.3 1.0 0.9 1.5 5.6 18.3 18.9 15.1 0.6 0.3 1.8
Temperature in °C 23.1 24.8 26.5 29.3 32 32.8 33.1 32.1 30.5 29.3 28.7 26.1
B
Rainfall in cms 15.3 10.1 0.3 0.1 1.3 4.5 6.1 10.2 10.5 20.1 16.8 19.0
(a) Calculate the annual rainfall in station A.
(b) What is the annual range of temperature in station B?
(c) Name the winds that bring most of the rainfall to station B. State one reason for your answer.
(ii) Give reason why Shillong gets hardly 200 cm., rainfall during the year, whereas Cherrapunji gets more than
1250 cm, of rainfall although they are situated very close to each other.
Answer: (i) (a) 68.4 cm
(b) 33.1 – 231 = 10°C
(c) N. E. Monsoon because the maximum rainfall is received in the month of October, November and December.
(ii) Cherrapunji is located in a funnel shaped depression within the Garo-Khasi hills, where South-west monsoon
wind get entrapped and it continues to rain in heavy downpours during the rainy Season. On the other hand
Shillong is situated in the rain shadow region.
Question 8: A cricket match at Chennai (Madras) from October 24 to 28 had to be abandoned because of bad
weather. As a student of geography provide an explanation and 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 rainfall
experienced in Chennai (Madras) city.
Answer: The cricket match had to be abandoned because of the retreating monsoon. A high pressure centre
begins to build up over the southern region due to the migration of the sun towards the south. By the first week
of October the South-west monsoon begins to withdraw from the country. The monsoon moves southwards
and causes rain in the southern districts (Chennai) at the end of October.
Question 9: Study the table given below and answer the questions that follow:
Station Month J F M A M J J A S O N D
Temperature in Degree C. 14.4 16.7 23.3 30.0 33.3 33.3 30.0 29.4 28.9 25.6 19.4 15.6
A
Rainfall in cm 2.5 1.5 1.3 10 1.8 7.4 19.3 17.8 11.9 1.3 0.2 1.0
Temperature in Degree C. 24.4 24.4 26.7 28.3 300 28.9 27.2 27.2 27.2 27.8 27.2 25.0
B
Rainfall in cm 0.2 0.2 0.3 10 1.8 50.6 61.0 24.8 24.8 24.8 1.0 0.7
(i) Calculate the annual rainfall in station A.
(ii) What is the annual range of temperature in station B?
(iii) Which of the two stations has an equable climate?
Answer: (i) 67 cm
(ii) 5.6°C
(iii) Station B.
Question 10: Study the climatic data given below and answer the questions that follow:
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jim Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temperature °C 23.8 25.0 27.7 28.3 30.2 30.3 30.4 33.3 30.0 30.3 25.5 24.2
Rainfall cm 0 0 1.1 1.5 2.1 45.3 46.5 45.4 43.3 20.1 3.0 0.1
(i) Calculate the mean annual temperature.
(ii) What is the total rainfall during the monsoon season?
(iii) Does the station have a maritime or a continental climate?
Give a reason for your answer.
Answer: (i) 28° C.
(ii) 180.5 cm.
(iii) The station has a maritime climate as the range of temperature is very low i.e., 6.6° C.
Name the Following
Question 1: Name two types of cyclonic systems that affect India and two areas that receive rainfall from these
systems.
Answer: Two cyclonic systems that affect India are:
(i) Temperate, cyclones-Region-North west of India (Punjab and Haryana)
(ii) Tropical cyclones – Region – eastern coast of India (A.P., T.N., [Link]).
Question 2: Name two important features of the Indian monsoon.
Answer: (i) Seasonal reversal Of wind system.
(ii) Rainfall by the monsoon winds is mainly induced by the relief (mountains) features of the country
(orographic rainfall).
Question 3: Name the source from where Western Himalayas gets its rainfall.
Answer: Western Himalayas gets its rainfall from the South-west monsoon.
Question 4: Name the areas receiving very heavy rainfall on account of favourable situation of a mountain
Answer: The west coast region of the southern Peninsula and the north-eastern part of India receive very heavy
rainfall on account of favourable situation of the mountain ranges.
Question 5: Name the state in India where there is highest rainfall.
Answer: Meghalaya.
Question 6: Name the winds which are responsible for heavy rainfall in India.
Answer: South-West Monsoon winds and North-East Monsoon winds.
Question 7: Name the winds which provide relief rainfall to the Tamil Nadu coast?
Answer: Tamil Nadu coast gets relief rainfall when the South-west monsoon retreats.
Question 8: The source of the winter rain to Tamil Nadu.
Answer: North-East Monsoon.
Question 9: Name the state of Indian Union where the rainy season is very short?
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir is the only state in India which has a very short rainy season.
Question 10: Name the regions of moderate rainfall in India.
Answer: Madhya Pradesh, Eastern parts of U. P., coastal plains of Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Orissa and West- Bengal in
India get moderate rainfall.

CHAPTER – 8 – SOIL RESOURCES

Choose the correct option
Question 1
Which of the following constituents add fertility to the soil?
1. Silica
2. Humus
3. Clay
4. Sand
Answer
Humus
Question 2
Which of the following are the characteristics of fertile soil?
1. Adequate amount of moisture
2. Rich in nutrients
3. Organic matter
4. All of the above.
Answer
All of the above
Question 3
Which of the following is a transported or ex situ soil?
1. Alluvial soil
 2. Laterite soil
3. Red soil
4. Black soil.
Answer
Alluvial soil
Question 4
Which of the following soils vary from place to place on the basis of the parental rocks and climatic conditions?
1. Black soil
2. Laterite soil
3. Alluvial soil
4. Red soil.
Answer
Red soil
Question 5
Farmers plant trees in several rows to check soil erosion by ............... .
1. floods
2. winds
3. drought
4. heavy rains
Answer
winds
Question 6
Alluvial soil is rich in which of the following minerals?
1. Iron
2. Nitrogen
3. Phosphorus
4. None of the above.
Answer
Iron
Question 7
Red soil gets its name from ................ .
1. its colour
2. its ferric oxide content
3. Both (a) and (b)
4. None of the above.
Answer
Both (a) and (b)
Question 8
Black soil is also known as ................ .
1. Bhangar
2. Khadar
3. Regur
4. Leached
Answer
Regur
Question 9
Laterite soil is mainly found in the highland areas of ............... .
1. the Himalayas
2. the Peninsular Plateau
3. the Aravali Range
 4. the Karakoram Range
Answer
the Peninsular Plateau
Question 10
Why is Black soil highly moisture retentive?
1. It has fifty per cent of clay content
2. It is formed of weathered lava rocks
3. It has high quantities of lime and iron
4. All of the above.
Answer
It has fifty per cent of clay content
Question 11
Which of the following soils forms the second largest soil group in India?
1. Black soil
2. Red soil
3. Yellow soil
4. Brown soil
Answer
Red soil
Question 12
Why is the Red soil considered ideal for dry farming?
1. It is formed in areas with poor rainfall and responds to fertilizers.
2. It is red in colour.
3. It is rich in iron oxide.
4. It is rich in nitrogen.
Answer
It is formed in areas with poor rainfall and responds to fertilizers.
Question 13
Which of the following is correct about the Laterite soil?
1. It is the residual soil.
2. It is formed by leaching due to tropical rains.
3. Humus content of the soil is removed by bacteria.
4. All of the above.
Answer
All of the above
Question 14
Black soils are rich in
1. Magnesium Carbonates
2. Phosphates
3. Nitrogen
4. Organic matter
Answer
Magnesium Carbonates
Question 15
The red soils are formed due to
1. Weathering of ancient crystalline rocks
2. Disintegration of sedimentary rocks
3. Deposition by the rivers
4. Transport by the rivers
Answer
Weathering of ancient crystalline rocks
Question 16
Red soils are rich in
1. Potash
2. Lime
3. Nitrogen
4. Phosphate
Answer
Potash
Question 17
An area in India where Gully erosion takes place
1. Narmada valley
2. Chambal ravines
3. Ganga river
4. Damodar river
Answer
Chambal ravines
Question 18
Black soils are found in
1. Haryana
2. Maharashtra
3. Meghalaya
4. Uttar Pradesh
Answer
Maharashtra
Question 19
The soil with the unique property of being building material
1. Red soil
2. Alluvial soil
3. Laterite soil
4. Black soil
Answer
Laterite soil
Question 20
The laterite soils are found in
1. The summits of Western ghats
2. Deccan Plateau
3. Indo-Gangetic plains
4. Coastal plains
Answer
The summits of Western ghats
Question 21
The soil formed due to deposition by rivers
1. Red soil
2. Black soil
3. Alluvial soil
4. Laterite soil
Answer
Alluvial soil
Question 22
The soil that promotes leaching
1. Red soil
2. Black soil
3. Alluvial soil
4. Laterite soil
Answer
Laterite soil
Question 23
The soil formed in situ
1. Red soil
2. Black soil
3. Alluvial soil
4. Laterite soil
Answer
Black soil

Answer the following questions

Question 1
How are soils formed?
Answer
The soils are formed by disintegration and denudation of rocks under specific natural conditions. The natural
forces responsible for soil formation are water, wind, vegetation, animals and temperature variations. These
forces lead to weathering of the rocks and formation of soil. This process of formation of soil is called
pedogenesis.
Question 2
Name the factors responsible for soil formation.
Answer
The factors responsible for soil formation are following:
1. Parent rock material
2. Relief
3. Climate
4. Vegetation
5. Animals
6. Insects
7. Man
Question 3
Name the main components of soil.
Answer
The soil is composed of inorganic and organic components.
1. Inorganic components: Following are the inorganic components of soil:
i. Silica — is present in the soil in the form of small crystalline grains, the main constituent of sand.
ii. Clay — is a mixture of silicates and many other minerals such as iron, calcium, sodium, potassium
and aluminium.
iii. Chalk (Calcium Carbonate) — provides the most essential elements for plant growth which is
calcium.
2. Organic components: Organic matter is formed by the decomposition of plant remains, animal waste
and dead animals. The ultimate form of organic matter is humus.
Question 4
Name the major soils of India.
Answer
The major soils of India are:
1. Alluvial Soils
2. Black Soils
3. Red Soils
4. Laterite and Lateritic Soils
Question 5
Why are alluvial soils very fertile?
Answer
Alluvial soils are very fertile because of following reasons:
1. It is rich in minerals like iron, magnesia, alumina, potash and lime. It is also rich in organic matter and
humus.
2. It is loamy.
3. It has sufficient depth.
4. It is renewed annually / replenished by floods.
5. It is transported soil which brings along lots of minerals, alluvium and silt.
6. It is non-porous and water retentive if all the minerals are present.
Question 6
How are black soils formed?
Answer
Black soils are formed from solidification of basic lava spread over large areas of Deccan Plateau during volcanic
activity. Therefore, they are essentially formed by weathering of Deccan Trap. Black soils are formed in situ i.e.,
formed where they are found.
Question 7
Does black soil undergo leaching?
Answer
No, black soil does not undergo leaching. Black soil retains moisture and becomes sticky when wet. Due to this
property, black soil does not undergo leaching.
Question 8
Give the other names for black soil. Name two characteristic features of black soil.
Answer
The other names for black soil are Regur Soil and Black Cotton Soil.
The two characteristic features of black soil are:
1. The black soil retains moisture and becomes sticky when wet.
2. It releases moisture during dry period.
Question 9
Why are red soils not suitable for agriculture?
Answer
Red soils are generally low in nutrients and have poor water-holding capacity. They lack lime, magnesia,
phosphate, nitrogen and humus. This makes red soils unsuitable for agriculture.
Question 10
What is leaching? Give an example of a leached soil.
Answer
Leaching is defined as the loss of soluble nutrients or substances and colloids from the top layer of soil by
percolation or runoff due to heavy rainfall.
Laterite soils are leached soils.
Question 11
What type of soil is widely distributed over the Ganga Basin?
Answer
Alluvial soils are widely distributed over the Ganga Basin.
Question 12
Which is the most widely transported soil?
Answer
Alluvial soil is the most widely transported soil as they are carried by the rivers.
Question 13
Which soil is found suitable for growing coffee in India?
Answer
Laterite soil is found suitable for growing coffee in India.
Question 14
Name the soil found on the summits of Eastern Ghats.
Answer
Laterite soils are found on the summits of Eastern Ghats.
Question 15
Name one important characteristic of mountain soil.
Answer
The mountain soils are heterogeneous in nature, and their character changes with mountainous environment
and altitude.
Question 16
What are the properties of desert soils?
Answer
The properties of desert soils are:
1. Low organic matter — Desert soils tend to have a low concentration of organic matter, as the dry
conditions make it difficult for decomposing organisms to thrive.
2. Low nutrient levels — Desert soils are often low in nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, due
to the limited availability of organic matter and the high rates of evaporation that occur in these regions.
3. High salt content — Desert soils may have a high concentration of salt due to the dry conditions, which
can cause salt to accumulate in the soil.
4. Poor water-holding capacity — Desert soils tend to be well-drained and have a low water-holding
capacity due to the low levels of organic matter and the high evaporation rates in these regions.
Question 17
How are laterite soils formed?
Answer
Laterite soils are formed due to atmospheric weathering of rocks under conditions of high temperature and
heavy rainfall with alternate wet and dry periods. They are formed strictly under monsoon conditions. They are
the residual soils formed by leaching due to tropical rains.
Question 18
Why does laterite soil undergo leaching?
Answer
The laterite soils are formed in area of high temperature and heavy rainfall. High temperature and heavy rainfall
leads to leaching of Laterite soils. In addition, laterite soil tends to be well-drained, which means it does not
retain water well. As it does not become sticky and wet, this also leads to its leaching.
Question 19
What is soil erosion? Name the different types of soil erosion.
Answer
The removal of topsoil by different agents of weathering like wind, running water, human activities, plants and
animals is known as soil erosion.
The different types of soil erosion are:
1. Splash erosion
2. Sheet erosion
3. Gully erosion/ Rill erosion
Question 20
What is soil conservation? State two ways in which one can reduce soil erosion.
Answer
Soil conservation means the efforts made to prevent or reduce the loss of soil due to soil erosion and
prevention of reduced fertility of soil caused by over-use, acidification, salinisation or other types of soil
contamination.
Two ways in which one can reduce soil erosion are:
1. Through afforestation by increasing area under forests and stopping indiscriminate felling of trees.
2. By checking overgrazing in grasslands
Question 21
Explain the following terms : topsoil, in situ, bangar, khadar, humus.
Answer
Topsoil — The uppermost fertile layer of soil, which is used for cultivation is called Topsoil.
In situ — It means 'at its original place'. It refers to anything which is formed where it is found. For example the
black soil is formed in situ.
Bangar — The older alluvium is called as Bangar soil. They are darker in colour. They contain kankar, pebbles
and gravels.
Khadar — The newer alluvium is called Khadar soil. They contain fine sand and clay. They are pale brown in
colour. They are replenished by the floods.
Humus — The organic matter which is found in the soil is called Humus. It is formed by decaying remains of
plants and animals
Question 23
Give geographical reasons —
1. Red soil is not suitable for cultivation.
2. Laterite soils are used as building material.
3. Black soils are black in colour.
4. Alluvial soils of Coastal region are black in colour.
Answer
1. Red soils are generally low in nutrients and have poor water-holding capacity. They lack lime, magnesia,
phosphate, nitrogen and humus. This makes red soils unsuitable for cultivation.
2. Laterite soils are used as building material because they harden like iron when exposed to air.
3. Black soils are black in colour because they are formed from weathered lava rocks like black crystalline
schists and basic gneisses.
4. The Alluvial soils of the coastal regions are formed due to the deposition of sediments brought mainly
from the Deccan Trap region. The Deccan Trap region is volcanic in origin so the sediments are black in
colour. This imparts black colour to the Alluvial soils of Coastal region.
Question 24
Answer in one word —
1. Soils formed due to weathering of Deccan trap.
2. Alluvial soils of Coastal region are called ...............
3. In some valleys like Narmada and Tapi the soil is ............... deep.
Answer
1. Black soil
2. Deltaic alluvium
3. 6 m