4. CLIMATE

✅ 45 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs) WITH ANSWERS

1. Which place receives the highest rainfall in the world?

(a) Cherrapunji (b) Silchar (c) Mawsynram (d) Guwahati
✔ Ans: (c) Mawsynram

2. The Loo blows during:

(a) Winter (b) Monsoon (c) Summer (d) Autumn
✔ Ans: (c) Summer

3. Monsoon arrives in India in:

(a) May (b) Early June (c) July (d) August
✔ Ans: (b) Early June

4. ITCZ during summer shifts toward:

(a) Equator (b) Tropic of Capricorn (c) Tropic of Cancer (d) Arctic Circle
✔ Ans: (c) Tropic of Cancer

5. Western disturbances cause rainfall in:

(a) Rajasthan (b) Punjab & Haryana (c) Tamil Nadu (d) Gujarat
✔ Ans: (b) Punjab & Haryana

6. ‘October Heat’ is due to:

(a) High rainfall (b) High humidity & temperature
(c) Low temperature (d) Heavy winds
✔ Ans: (b) High humidity & temperature

7. Retreating monsoon occurs during:

(a) March–April (b) May–June (c) Oct–Nov (d) Jan–Feb
✔ Ans: (c) Oct–Nov

8. Tamil Nadu receives rainfall mainly from:

(a) SW Monsoon (b) NE Monsoon (c) Westerlies (d) Cyclones only
✔ Ans: (b) NE Monsoon

9. Which is not a factor controlling the climate of India?

(a) Ocean currents (b) Latitude (c) Soil (d) Altitude
✔ Ans: (c) Soil

10. Highest temperature is recorded in:

(a) December (b) June (c) January (d) November
✔ Ans: (b) June

11. The monsoon winds originate due to:

(a) Rotation of Earth (b) Seasonal temperature changes
(c) Ocean currents (d) None
✔ Ans: (b)

12. Which state gets rainfall from Bay of Bengal branch?

(a) Punjab (b) Rajasthan (c) West Bengal (d) Gujarat
✔ Ans: (c)

13. A sudden onset of monsoon is known as:

(a) Burst of monsoon (b) Retreat (c) Break (d) Loo
✔ Ans: (a)

14. The windward side of the Western Ghats gets:

(a) Low rainfall (b) High rainfall (c) No rainfall (d) Snowfall
✔ Ans: (b)

15. Which region gets less than 20 cm rainfall?

(a) Meghalaya (b) Western Rajasthan (c) Kerala (d) Odisha
✔ Ans: (b)

16. Jet streams are found in:

(a) Troposphere (b) Stratosphere (c) Mesosphere (d) Exosphere
✔ Ans: (a)

17. Kal Baisakhi occurs in:

(a) Punjab (b) Haryana (c) Assam & Bengal (d) Kerala
✔ Ans: (c)

18. Mango showers help in ripening mangoes in:

(a) Gujarat (b) Karnataka (c) Assam (d) Bihar
✔ Ans: (b)

19. Western disturbances come from:

(a) Gulf of Mexico (b) Mediterranean Sea (c) Arabian Sea (d) Africa
✔ Ans: (b)

20. Cold season in India is:

(a) March–May (b) Dec–Feb (c) June–Sept (d) Oct–Nov
✔ Ans: (b)

21. Monsoon winds blow from the:

(a) Sea to land in summer
(b) Land to sea in summer
(c) Sea to land in winter
(d) None
✔ Ans: (a)

22. A shallow cyclonic depression over Bay of Bengal causes rainfall in:

(a) Punjab (b) Rajasthan (c) Tamil Nadu (d) Kashmir
✔ Ans: (c)

23. Convectional rainfall occurs in:

(a) Summer (b) Winter (c) Monsoon only (d) Autumn
✔ Ans: (a)

24. Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall because:

(a) They are near sea
(b) They face monsoon winds
(c) They are high
(d) None
✔ Ans: (b)

25. Monsoon is caused by:

(a) Rotation (b) Revolution
(c) Differential heating & cooling (d) Latitude only
✔ Ans: (c)

26. Which place has the highest temperature in May–June?

(a) Jaipur (b) Delhi (c) Thar Desert (d) Chennai
✔ Ans: (c)

27. Retreating monsoon causes cyclones near:

(a) Gujarat (b) Maharashtra (c) Bay of Bengal (d) Karnataka
✔ Ans: (c)

28. Winter rainfall benefits:

(a) Rice (b) Wheat (c) Cotton (d) Tea
✔ Ans: (b)

29. Coromandel coast receives rainfall from:

(a) SW Monsoon (b) NE Monsoon (c) Westerlies (d) Trade winds
✔ Ans: (b)

30. Leeward side of Western Ghats is:

(a) Rainy (b) Wet (c) Dry (d) Snowy
✔ Ans: (c)

31. ITCZ stands for:

(a) Indian Tropical Zone
(b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone
(c) Inter Temperature Climate Zone
(d) None
✔ Ans: (b)

32. Burst of monsoon occurs in:

(a) June (b) February (c) August (d) April
✔ Ans: (a)

33. Kerala receives monsoon first because:

(a) Near equator
(b) Near Indian Ocean
(c) Near Arabian Sea
(d) Located southmost
✔ Ans: (d)

34. Mango showers occur in:

(a) Kerala (b) Karnataka (c) Tamil Nadu (d) UP
✔ Ans: (b)

35. Which region receives winter rainfall?

(a) Punjab (b) Gujarat (c) Bihar (d) Odisha
✔ Ans: (a)

36. Highest diurnal range in:

(a) Coastal areas (b) Desert (c) Mountains (d) Islands
✔ Ans: (b)

37. Western disturbances bring:

(a) Floods (b) Cold waves
(c) Winter rainfall (d) Cyclones
✔ Ans: (c)

38. Break in monsoon means:

(a) No rainfall for a few days
(b) Heavy rainfall
(c) Cyclones
(d) Dry winds
✔ Ans: (a)

39. Monsoon retreat begins from:

(a) South India (b) North India
(c) East India (d) West India
✔ Ans: (b)

40. What causes snowfall in Himalayas?

(a) Loo (b) Jet streams
(c) Western disturbances (d) Convection
✔ Ans: (c)

41. Rain shadow area is:

(a) Windward (b) Leeward (c) Coastal (d) Mountain top
✔ Ans: (b)

42. Tropical cyclones strike during:

(a) March–April (b) Oct–Nov (c) Jan–Feb (d) July–Aug
✔ Ans: (b)

43. Which region has equable climate?

(a) Rajasthan (b) Punjab (c) Mumbai (d) Delhi
✔ Ans: (c)

44. Which ocean affects India’s monsoon?

(a) Atlantic (b) Pacific (c) Indian (d) Arctic
✔ Ans: (c)

45. The word “monsoon” means:

(a) Season (b) Rain (c) Storm (d) Humidity
✔ Ans: (a)

✅ 20 VERY SHORT QUESTIONS (1 Mark) WITH ANSWERS

1. Define climate.

✔ Climate is the average weather condition of a region over 30–35 years.

2. Define weather.

✔ Weather is the state of atmosphere at a particular time.

3. What is ITCZ?

✔ Inter Tropical Convergence Zone.

4. What is Loo?

✔ Hot, dry winds of summer in northern India.

5. What causes winter rainfall in north India?

✔ Western disturbances.

6. What is October Heat?

✔ Hot and humid weather in October due to retreating monsoon.

7. Name the branch of monsoon that strikes Kerala.

✔ Arabian Sea branch.

8. What brings rainfall to Tamil Nadu in winter?

✔ North-east monsoon.

9. Duration of monsoon season?

✔ June to September.

10. Cold season months?

✔ December to February.

11. What is burst of monsoon?

✔ Sudden onset of monsoon rains.

12. Which place gets the highest rainfall in India?

✔ Mawsynram.

13. What is meant by diurnal range of temperature?

✔ Difference between day and night temperature.

14. Which region gets lowest rainfall?

✔ Western Rajasthan.

15. What is the main cause of monsoon?

✔ Differential heating and cooling.

16. What is a monsoon trough?

✔ Low-pressure area extending across north India during monsoon.

17. What are mango showers?

✔ Pre-monsoon rains in Karnataka.

18. What are western disturbances?

✔ Winds from Mediterranean bringing winter rain.

19. Name a cyclone-prone region.

✔ Eastern coastal delta (Godavari–Krishna).

20. What causes rainfall on windward side of Western Ghats?

✔ Orographic lifting.

✅ 20 SHORT QUESTIONS (2–3 Marks) WITH ANSWERS

1. Mention any three controls of climate.

✔ Latitude, altitude, distance from sea.

2. Why is the monsoon called a unifying bond?

✔ Agriculture, rivers, festivals, and economic life depend on monsoon.

3. What causes retreating monsoon?

✔ Weakening of low pressure; shift to Bay of Bengal.

4. Why does Tamil Nadu get winter rainfall?

✔ NE monsoon picks moisture from Bay of Bengal.

5. Give two characteristics of cold season.

✔ Clear skies, cool days and cold nights.

6. Why does India have monsoon type climate?

✔ Seasonal reversal of winds due to pressure differences.

7. Effect of western disturbances?

✔ Rainfall in Punjab, Haryana; snowfall in Himalayas.

8. Why rainfall decreases from east to west?

✔ Bay of Bengal branch loses moisture.

9. Why deserts have high diurnal range?

✔ Low humidity; sand heats and cools quickly.

10. What are local winds? Give examples.

✔ Winds restricted to small areas; Loo, Kal Baisakhi.

11. Explain burst of monsoon.

✔ Sudden increase in rainfall after intense heat.

12. Why does Kerala receive rainfall first?

✔ It is closest to entry zone of SW winds.

13. Differences between summer and winter monsoon.

✔ Summer: sea to land, rainy.
Winter: land to sea, dry.

14. What is ITCZ?

✔ Low-pressure zone near equator where winds converge.

15. What are trade winds?

✔ Winds blowing from sub-tropical high to equator.

16. What is climate change?

✔ Long-term changes in global/ regional climate patterns.

17. Why are cyclones frequent during Oct–Nov?

✔ Warm seas + retreating monsoon create depressions.

18. Difference between weather & climate.

✔ Weather: daily; climate: long-term average.

19. What is rain-shadow area?

✔ Leeward side of mountain with little rainfall.

20. Why is monsoon unpredictable?

✔ Due to variable winds, pressure, sea temperatures.

✅ LONG TYPE QUESTIONS – ANSWERS

1. Describe the climatic controls in detail.

The climate of a place is controlled by several factors known as climatic controls:

  1. Latitude:
    The amount of solar energy received varies with latitude. India, being located between 8°N and 37°N, experiences a tropical to subtropical climate.
  2. Altitude:
    Higher altitudes experience lower temperatures. For example, the Himalayas remain cool throughout the year while the northern plains remain hot in summer.
  3. Pressure and Winds:
    India’s climate is influenced by pressure and wind systems such as the monsoon winds, land and sea breezes, and western disturbances.
  4. Distance from the Sea:
    Coastal areas have moderate climates, while interior areas have extreme climates. Example: Mumbai has moderate climate; Delhi has extreme climate.
  5. Ocean Currents:
    Warm and cold ocean currents influence temperature and humidity. Example: The Indian Ocean affects the monsoon winds.
  6. Relief Features:
    Mountains block winds and cause rainfall. The Himalayas prevent cold Central Asian winds from entering India.

2. Explain the mechanism of monsoon in India.

The Indian monsoon mechanism involves:

  1. Intense heating of land in summer → low pressure over north-west India.
  2. High pressure over Indian Ocean → winds blow from sea to land.
  3. The Coriolis force deflects winds → they become south-west monsoon winds.
  4. Winds split into two branches:
    • Arabian Sea branch
    • Bay of Bengal branch
  5. Arabian Sea branch causes heavy rainfall on Western Ghats and moves northwards.
  6. Bay of Bengal branch moves toward the northeast and causes rainfall in Bengal, Assam, and later northern India.
  7. Monsoon retreat occurs when land cools faster than the sea in September–October.

3. Describe the characteristics of the cold weather season in India.

Characteristics:

  1. Temperature:
    • Days are warm; nights are cold.
    • Northern plains experience fog and frost.
  2. Pressure and winds:
    • High pressure over land, low pressure over seas.
    • Dry winds blow from the north.
  3. Rainfall:
    • Western disturbances bring winter rainfall to Punjab, Haryana, and Kashmir.
    • Tamil Nadu receives rainfall from NE monsoon.
  4. Clear skies
    • Days are sunny with clear skies and low humidity.
  5. Season duration:
    • From December to February.

4. Describe the onset and withdrawal of monsoon.

Onset

  1. The monsoon arrives in Kerala around 1 June.
  2. It is marked by sudden increase in rainfall and strong winds.
  3. Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal branches bring widespread rainfall.
  4. Monsoon covers the entire country by mid-July.

Withdrawal

  1. Starts from north-west India in September.
  2. Skies clear and humidity decreases.
  3. Moves southward and withdraws completely by early December.
  4. Retreating monsoon causes heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu.

5. Explain the regional variation in climatic conditions of India.

India shows great climatic diversity:

  1. Temperature Variation:
    • Rajasthan: extremely hot (50°C).
    • Drass (J&K): extremely cold (-45°C).
  2. Rainfall Variation:
    • Mawsynram: >1100 cm rainfall (wettest place).
    • Rajasthan: <10 cm rainfall.
  3. Seasonal Variation:
    • Tamil Nadu receives winter rainfall.
    • North India receives winter rain from western disturbances.
  4. Altitude Variation:
    • Mountains remain cold.
    • Plains remain hot.
  5. Coastal vs Interior:
    • Mumbai: moderate climate.
    • Delhi: continental climate.

6. Why is the monsoon a unifying bond for India?

Monsoon unifies India in many ways:

  1. Agriculture depends on monsoon → major crops grow during monsoon.
  2. Rivers and lakes get water → life-line for people.
  3. Festivals and traditions like Onam, Pongal, Bihu are based on monsoon.
  4. Drinking water and electricity generation depend on rainfall.
  5. Cultural unity – monsoon is celebrated in songs, music, and literature.

7. Describe the factors responsible for uneven distribution of rainfall in India.

  1. Relief features: Mountains block winds (Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall).
  2. Distance from the sea: Coastal areas receive more rainfall.
  3. Direction of monsoon winds: Bay of Bengal branch gives max rainfall in NE India.
  4. Variability of monsoon: Some areas get cyclones; others remain dry.
  5. Rain-shadow area: Leeward side of Western Ghats receives low rainfall.

8. Explain the main features of the hot weather season.

  1. Season: March to May.
  2. Temperature: Extremely high; especially in north-west India.
  3. Local Winds:
    • Loo (hot dry wind).
    • Kal Baisakhi in Bengal.
    • Mango showers in Karnataka and Kerala.
  4. Cyclones: Pre-monsoon cyclones occur in Bay of Bengal.
  5. Low pressure forms → helps monsoon develop.

9. Give the characteristics of the southwest monsoon season.

  1. Season: June to September.
  2. Heavy rainfall:
    • Most of India gets rainfall.
    • Western Ghats and NE India get maximum.
  3. Breaks in monsoon:
    • Rain stops for a few days.
    • Due to shifting monsoon trough.
  4. Floods and landslides are common.
  5. Strong winds and cloud cover throughout the season.

10. Describe the retreating monsoon season.

  1. Season: October–November.
  2. Weather becomes hot again due to clear skies.
  3. Cyclones form in Bay of Bengal and affect east coast.
  4. Tamil Nadu receives maximum rainfall from NE monsoon.
  5. Humidity decreases as winds move south.

11. How do western disturbances affect the climate of India?

  1. Western disturbances originate in Mediterranean Sea.
  2. They bring winter rain to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
  3. Cause snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
  4. Important for Rabi crops, especially wheat.
  5. Often lead to cold waves and fog.

12. Why is Tamil Nadu dry during southwest monsoon season?

  1. Tamil Nadu lies in rain-shadow area of Western Ghats.
  2. SW monsoon winds shed rainfall on the western side before reaching Tamil Nadu.
  3. Tamil Nadu receives rainfall mainly from NE monsoon in winter.

13. Explain the concept of monsoon trough.

  1. The monsoon trough is a low-pressure zone extending from Rajasthan to the Bay of Bengal.
  2. It shifts north and south during monsoon.
  3. When trough shifts north → heavy rains in Himalayas.
  4. When shifts south → heavy rains in central India.
  5. Responsible for breaks in monsoon.

14. Discuss the impact of monsoon rainfall on Indian agriculture.

  1. Main source of irrigation: Most farmers depend on monsoon.
  2. Crop production: Rice, jute, tea, sugarcane grow in monsoon.
  3. Failure of monsoon = drought → crop failure.
  4. Excess rainfall = flood → crops destroyed.
  5. Monsoon determines sowing and harvesting time.

15. Explain how relief features influence India’s climate.

  1. Himalayas block cold winds → keep northern India warm in winter.
  2. Himalayas block monsoon winds → force winds to shed rainfall.
  3. Western Ghats cause heavy rainfall on windward side and dryness on leeward side.
  4. Thar Desert influences monsoon winds, creating low-pressure conditions.
  5. Plateaus remain dry due to altitude and lack of moisture.

✅ 10 Assertion–Reason Questions (from Climate – Class 9)

1. Assertion (A): Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in the world.

Reason (R): It is located on the windward side of the Khasi Hills.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

2. Assertion (A): The monsoon is considered a unifying bond in India.

Reason (R): All parts of India receive monsoon rainfall at the same time.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

3. Assertion (A): Tamil Nadu receives rainfall during the winter season.

Reason (R): Northeast monsoon winds pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

4. Assertion (A): The retreating monsoon is marked by clear skies and rise in temperature.

Reason (R): Land cools faster than the sea during this season.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

5. Assertion (A): The Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon.

Reason (R): The moisture-laden winds rise along the windward slopes of the Ghats.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

6. Assertion (A): Rajasthan receives little rainfall.

Reason (R): Aravalli range is parallel to the monsoon winds and does not block them.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

7. Assertion (A): Southwest monsoon winds bring rainfall to India.

Reason (R): These winds blow from high-pressure areas over land to low-pressure areas over the sea.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

8. Assertion (A): The Himalayas protect India from cold winds from Central Asia.

Reason (R): The Himalayas form a high mountain barrier.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

9. Assertion (A): Coastal regions have moderate climate.

Reason (R): Land and sea breezes regulate temperature in coastal areas.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

10. Assertion (A): There are breaks in monsoon during rainy season.

Reason (R): These breaks occur when the monsoon trough shifts north or south.

Options:
(a) Both A and R true, R correct explanation
(b) Both A and R true, R NOT explanation
(c) A true, R false
(d) A false, R true

✅ ANSWERS

  1. (a)
  2. (b)
  3. (a)
  4. (a)
  5. (a)
  6. (b)
  7. (c)
  8. (a)
  9. (a)
  10. (a)

 

************