Climates of India

Section A: 30 MCQs (with answers)

  1. Weather refers to:
    a) Daily atmospheric conditions ✅
    b) Long-term patterns
    c) Seasonal cycles
    d) Monsoon winds

  2. Climate refers to:
    a) Hourly temperature
    b) Daily rainfall
    c) Long-term weather pattern ✅
    d) Storm activity

  3. Seasons occur because:
    a) Earth rotates on its axis
    b) Earth revolves around the Sun ✅
    c) Winds change
    d) Ocean currents

  4. Which season is unique to India?
    a) Summer
    b) Autumn
    c) Rainy/Monsoon ✅
    d) Winter

  5. The northern Himalayas have which type of climate?
    a) Tropical
    b) Alpine ✅
    c) Subtropical
    d) Arid

  6. The Thar Desert has:
    a) Semi-arid climate
    b) Arid climate ✅
    c) Tropical wet
    d) Subtropical

  7. The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall because:
    a) Near poles
    b) Monsoon winds ✅
    c) Lack of trees
    d) Altitude

  8. Central Deccan Plateau has:
    a) Arid climate
    b) Semi-arid climate ✅
    c) Alpine
    d) Subtropical

  9. Tropical wet climate is favourable for:
    a) Wheat
    b) Rice ✅
    c) Cotton
    d) Maize

  10. The word ‘alpine’ comes from:
    a) Himalayas
    b) Alps ✅
    c) Andes
    d) Rockies

  11. Latitude affects climate because:
    a) It affects ocean currents
    b) It changes sunray angle ✅
    c) It changes rainfall
    d) It creates winds

  12. The equator receives:
    a) Slanting rays
    b) Direct rays ✅
    c) No sunlight
    d) Less rainfall

  13. Temperature decreases with:
    a) Latitude
    b) Altitude ✅
    c) Proximity to sea
    d) Soil

  14. Mumbai has milder climate than Nagpur because:
    a) Latitude
    b) Near the sea ✅
    c) Forest cover
    d) Mountains

  15. Winds from deserts are:
    a) Moist
    b) Dry and hot ✅
    c) Cold
    d) Rainy

  16. Winds from the sea bring:
    a) Dry air
    b) Moisture and rainfall ✅
    c) Snowfall
    d) Hot winds

  17. The Himalayas protect India from:
    a) Monsoon
    b) Cold winds of Central Asia ✅
    c) Ocean storms
    d) Earthquakes

  18. Microclimate means:
    a) Global climate
    b) Localized climate ✅
    c) Seasonal change
    d) Monsoon winds

  19. Urban heat island refers to:
    a) Villages
    b) Cities with more heat ✅
    c) Islands in oceans
    d) Deserts

  20. Monsoon comes from the Arabic word meaning:
    a) Wind
    b) Season ✅
    c) Rain
    d) Storm

  21. Summer monsoon winds blow from:
    a) Land to sea
    b) Sea to land ✅
    c) Poles to equator
    d) East to west

  22. Winter monsoon winds bring:
    a) Heavy rainfall everywhere
    b) Dry conditions ✅
    c) Snowfall in deserts
    d) Hurricanes

  23. Mawsynram receives rainfall of about:
    a) 1000 mm
    b) 11,000 mm ✅
    c) 5000 mm
    d) 200 mm

  24. Failure of monsoon leads to:
    a) Prosperity
    b) Drought ✅
    c) Earthquake
    d) Avalanche

  25. Floods occur due to:
    a) Lack of rainfall
    b) Heavy rainfall ✅
    c) Earth rotation
    d) Wind

  26. Glacial burst occurred in 2013 in:
    a) Himachal
    b) Uttarakhand ✅
    c) Sikkim
    d) Assam

  27. The centre of a cyclone is called:
    a) Eye ✅
    b) Core
    c) Heart
    d) Vortex

  28. Forest fires are common in:
    a) Rajasthan
    b) Uttarakhand ✅
    c) Kerala
    d) Punjab

  29. Climate change since 19th century is mainly due to:
    a) Natural causes
    b) Human activities ✅
    c) Rotation of Earth
    d) Ocean currents

  30. Which gas causes global warming most?
    a) Oxygen
    b) Carbon dioxide ✅
    c) Hydrogen
    d) Nitrogen

Section B: 20 Very Short Answer Questions

  1. Define weather. → Daily condition of atmosphere.

  2. Define climate. → Long-term pattern of weather.

  3. Name the six traditional Indian seasons. → Vasanta, Grishma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemanta, Shishir.

  4. What is alpine climate? → Cold, snowy winters and cool summers in high mountains.

  5. Where is subtropical climate found? → Northern plains of India.

  6. Which crop is mainly grown in subtropical climate? → Wheat.

  7. Which desert in India has arid climate? → Thar Desert.

  8. Which area has tropical wet climate? → Western coastal strip.

  9. Define latitude. → Distance from equator in degrees.

  10. Which Indian city is warm throughout the year? → Chennai.

  11. Which Indian city remains cool? → Leh.

  12. What is microclimate? → Local climate different from surroundings.

  13. Give an example of urban heat island. → Big cities like Delhi, Mumbai.

  14. Which winds bring rainfall in summer? → Southwest monsoon winds.

  15. Which winds blow in winter? → Northeast monsoon winds.

  16. Which place receives the highest rainfall in the world? → Mawsynram, Meghalaya.

  17. What does ‘monsoon’ mean? → Season.

  18. What is the eye of a cyclone? → Calm, cloudless centre.

  19. Name one effect of flood. → Destruction of houses, crops.

  20. Name one greenhouse gas. → CO₂.

Section C: 15 Short Answer Questions

  1. Differentiate between weather and climate.
    → Weather is daily atmospheric condition, while climate is long-term weather pattern.

  2. Explain how altitude affects climate.
    → Higher altitudes have lower temperature due to reduced air density and distance from Earth’s surface.

  3. Why is Mumbai cooler than Nagpur though both are at same latitude?
    → Mumbai is near the sea (moderating effect), Nagpur is inland.

  4. How does latitude affect temperature?
    → Places near equator are hot; near poles are cold due to angle of sun rays.

  5. What is the role of Himalayas in India’s climate?
    → They block cold winds from Central Asia.

  6. What are monsoons?
    → Seasonal winds that bring rainfall.

  7. Differentiate between summer and winter monsoon.
    → Summer monsoon: sea to land, brings rain.
    Winter monsoon: land to sea, dry winds.

  8. Write two impacts of monsoon on Indian agriculture.
    → Determines crop cycles; failure causes drought.

  9. Mention two cultural practices linked with monsoon.
    → Festivals like Baisakhi, Onam, Pongal.

  10. What are cyclones?
    → Low-pressure systems with strong winds and rain.

  11. What is glacial burst?
    → Sudden release of water from glacial lake.

  12. Name two states prone to floods.
    → Assam, Bihar.

  13. Give two causes of forest fires.
    → Dry climate, human carelessness.

  14. What is climate change?
    → Long-term changes in temperature, rainfall, and weather.

  15. Mention two measures to reduce climate change.
    → Planting trees, using renewable energy.

Section D: 15 Long Answer Questions

  1. Explain the difference between weather, seasons and climate with examples.

  2. Describe different types of climates found in India.

  3. Discuss five factors determining India’s climate.

  4. Explain the impact of latitude and altitude on climate with Indian examples.

  5. How does proximity to the sea influence climate? Give examples of Mumbai and Nagpur.

  6. Explain the role of winds in India’s climate.

  7. What is topography? Explain with examples how it affects India’s climate.

  8. What are microclimates? Explain with examples of urban heat islands.

  9. Explain the mechanism of summer and winter monsoons in India.

  10. How does climate influence economy and agriculture in India?

  11. Discuss the relationship between festivals, culture and climate in India.

  12. What are the major natural disasters linked with climate in India? Explain any two.

  13. Explain the formation and effects of cyclones in India.

  14. What is climate change? Explain its causes and effects in India.

  15. Suggest five measures to reduce the impact of climate change and disasters in India.

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📘 Section D – Long Answer Questions with Answers

1. Explain the difference between weather, seasons and climate with examples.
Answer: Weather is the daily condition of the atmosphere at a place, such as a hot sunny day in Delhi or a rainy day in Mumbai. Seasons are divisions of the year based on changes in weather, such as summer, monsoon, and winter in India. Climate is the average pattern of weather over a long period of 30–40 years. For example, the climate of Rajasthan is hot and dry, while the climate of Kerala is hot and wet. Thus, weather changes daily, seasons change periodically, and climate is more permanent.

2. Describe different types of climates found in India.
Answer: India shows a great variety of climates due to its size and geography. The northern mountains have alpine climate with cold winters and snow. The northern plains have subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The Thar desert has arid climate with scanty rainfall. The Deccan plateau has semi-arid climate. The western coast and north-east have tropical wet climate with heavy rainfall. This diversity of climates affects crops, lifestyle, and culture.

3. Discuss five factors determining India’s climate.
Answer: The climate of India is controlled by several factors:

  1. Latitude: Places near the equator are hotter, while those near the poles are colder.

  2. Altitude: Temperature decreases with height, so mountains are cooler.

  3. Distance from the sea: Coastal places like Mumbai have moderate climate, inland places like Nagpur are extreme.

  4. Winds: Winds from the sea bring rainfall, winds from land are dry.

  5. Relief/topography: The Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia and also stop monsoon winds, causing rainfall.
    Together these factors explain India’s climate diversity.

4. Explain the impact of latitude and altitude on climate with Indian examples.
Answer: Latitude determines how directly the Sun’s rays fall. For example, Chennai (near Tropic of Cancer) is hot, while Kashmir (far north) is cooler. Altitude influences temperature because temperature decreases with height. For instance, Shimla in Himachal Pradesh is cooler than Delhi though both are at similar latitude. Similarly, Leh at high altitude remains cold most of the year. Thus both latitude and altitude strongly affect Indian climate.

5. How does proximity to the sea influence climate? Give examples of Mumbai and Nagpur.
Answer: The sea has a moderating effect on temperature. Places near the sea have equable climate, meaning summers are not too hot and winters not too cold. For example, Mumbai experiences mild summers and winters because it is on the coast. Nagpur, which is far from the sea, has an extreme climate with very hot summers and cooler winters. Thus, distance from the sea controls the range of temperature.

6. Explain the role of winds in India’s climate.
Answer: Winds influence temperature and rainfall. Winds blowing from the land are dry and hot, such as the Loo in North India. Winds from the sea bring moisture and rainfall, such as the southwest monsoon. The winter monsoon (northeast winds) brings dry conditions, except in Tamil Nadu where they bring rainfall. Thus, winds are crucial for India’s monsoon system and determine rainfall patterns across the country.

7. What is topography? Explain with examples how it affects India’s climate.
Answer: Topography refers to the physical features of the land such as mountains, valleys, and plateaus. It influences local climate. For example, the Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia, keeping northern India warmer. They also force monsoon winds to rise, causing heavy rainfall on the southern slopes, while the northern slopes remain drier. Similarly, the Western Ghats receive heavy rain on the windward side, while the leeward side (Deccan plateau) remains dry.

8. What are microclimates? Explain with examples of urban heat islands.
Answer: A microclimate is the climate of a small area that differs from its surroundings. For example, the shaded area under a tree may be cooler than the open ground nearby. In cities, due to concrete, traffic, and less greenery, the temperature is higher than rural areas. This phenomenon is called urban heat island effect. Cities like Delhi and Mumbai are warmer than nearby villages. Microclimates show how local features affect climate.

9. Explain the mechanism of summer and winter monsoons in India.
Answer: In summer, low pressure develops over the land and high pressure over the sea. Moist winds blow from sea to land, bringing heavy rainfall (southwest monsoon). In winter, high pressure develops on land and low pressure over the sea. Dry winds blow from land to sea, bringing dry conditions (northeast monsoon). However, Tamil Nadu receives rainfall in winter because winds pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal. This monsoon system is unique to India.

10. How does climate influence economy and agriculture in India?
Answer: India’s economy is closely linked with climate. Agriculture depends heavily on monsoon rainfall for crops like rice, wheat, pulses, and sugarcane. A good monsoon brings prosperity, while failure of monsoon causes drought, crop loss, and poverty. Climate also affects industry, such as cotton textiles in dry Gujarat and Maharashtra, or tea in wet Assam. Tourism is influenced too, with hill stations popular in summer. Thus, climate shapes India’s economy.

11. Discuss the relationship between festivals, culture and climate in India.
Answer: Indian culture and festivals are closely tied to climate and seasons. For example, Baisakhi marks the harvest of wheat in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Makar Sankranti in other states mark the end of winter and harvest. Onam in Kerala is celebrated during the monsoon season. Diwali is linked with autumn after the harvest. These festivals show how climate and agriculture influence Indian traditions and social life.

12. What are the major natural disasters linked with climate in India? Explain any two.
Answer: India faces floods, droughts, cyclones, forest fires, and glacial bursts, which are all climate-related disasters. For example, floods occur due to heavy monsoon rainfall in Assam and Bihar, destroying crops and homes. Droughts occur when monsoon fails, causing crop loss and water scarcity in states like Rajasthan. Cyclones affect coastal areas of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. These disasters affect people, economy, and environment.

13. Explain the formation and effects of cyclones in India.
Answer: Cyclones form over warm ocean waters when moist air rises and creates a low-pressure system. Winds spiral towards the centre, called the “eye” of the cyclone. In India, cyclones occur mainly in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. They bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, storm surges, and floods. Cyclones cause loss of life, damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure. For example, Cyclone Amphan in 2020 caused massive destruction in West Bengal.

14. What is climate change? Explain its causes and effects in India.
Answer: Climate change is a long-term shift in temperature, rainfall, and weather patterns. It is mainly caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial pollution, which increase greenhouse gases like CO₂. In India, climate change leads to rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. Farmers face uncertain rains, floods affect cities, and droughts harm crops. It threatens both people and environment.

15. Suggest five measures to reduce the impact of climate change and disasters in India.
Answer:

  1. Afforestation: Planting more trees to absorb carbon dioxide.

  2. Renewable energy: Use solar, wind, and hydropower instead of coal.

  3. Disaster preparedness: Early warning systems for cyclones and floods.

  4. Water conservation: Rainwater harvesting to fight droughts.

  5. Public awareness: Educating people on reducing pollution and saving resources.
    These steps can help reduce the effects of climate change and make India more resilient to disasters.