Climate
NCERT Solutions • Class 11 Geography (India) • Chapter 41. Multiple Choice Questions
(i) What causes rainfall on the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu in the beginning of winters?
(c) North-Eastern monsoon
Reason: During winter, the retreating monsoon winds blow from land to sea (Northeast to Southwest). As they pass over the Bay of Bengal, they pick up moisture and shed it as rain over the Coromandel coast (Tamil Nadu).
Reason: During winter, the retreating monsoon winds blow from land to sea (Northeast to Southwest). As they pass over the Bay of Bengal, they pick up moisture and shed it as rain over the Coromandel coast (Tamil Nadu).
(ii) What is the proportion of area of India which receives annual rainfall less than 75 cm?
(b) One-third
Reason: Roughly one-third of India’s area, including parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats (Deccan Plateau), receives scanty rainfall (< 75 cm).
Reason: Roughly one-third of India’s area, including parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats (Deccan Plateau), receives scanty rainfall (< 75 cm).
(iii) Which one of the following is not a fact regarding South India?
(d) Extreme climatic conditions are found here.
Reason: South India, being peninsular and surrounded by oceans on three sides, experiences an equable/moderate climate (maritime influence). “Extreme” climate (very hot summers and very cold winters) is a feature of North India (continentality).
Reason: South India, being peninsular and surrounded by oceans on three sides, experiences an equable/moderate climate (maritime influence). “Extreme” climate (very hot summers and very cold winters) is a feature of North India (continentality).
(iv) Which one of the following phenomenon happens when the sun shines vertically over the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere?
(a) High pressure develops over North-western India due to low temperatures.
Reason: When the sun is over the Tropic of Capricorn (December), it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Low temperatures in NW India cause the air to become dense and sink, creating a high-pressure zone.
Reason: When the sun is over the Tropic of Capricorn (December), it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Low temperatures in NW India cause the air to become dense and sink, creating a high-pressure zone.
2. Short Answer Questions
(i) What is the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
The ITCZ is a broad trough of low pressure in equatorial latitudes. This is where the northeast and the southeast trade winds converge. This convergence zone lies more or less parallel to the equator but shifts north or south with the apparent movement of the sun.
(ii) What is meant by ‘bursting of monsoon’? Name the place of India which gets the highest rainfall.
Bursting of Monsoon: The sudden onset of rainfall in the first week of June, often accompanied by thunder and lightning, is known as the ‘burst’ of the monsoon.
Highest Rainfall: Mawsynram (Meghalaya).
Highest Rainfall: Mawsynram (Meghalaya).
(iii) Which type(s) of cyclones cause rainfall in north-western India during winter? Where do they originate?
Type: Temperate Cyclones (also known as Western Disturbances).
Origin: They originate over the Mediterranean Sea and are steered towards India by the westerly jet stream.
Origin: They originate over the Mediterranean Sea and are steered towards India by the westerly jet stream.
3. Long Answer Questions
(i) “Notwithstanding the broad climatic unity, the climate of India has many regional variations.” Elaborate.
While India has a unifying “Monsoon type” climate, regional variations are distinct due to size and topography:
- Temperature: In summer, Rajasthan may hit 50°C, while Pahalgam (Kashmir) is at 20°C. In winter, Drass (Ladakh) drops to -45°C, while Thiruvananthapuram remains warm at 22°C.
- Rainfall: Mawsynram receives over 1080 cm annually, while Jaisalmer receives less than 9 cm.
- Diurnal Range: The Thar Desert has a huge day-night temperature difference, while the Kerala coast has hardly any difference due to the sea’s influence.
(ii) Discuss the weather conditions associated with the Cold Weather Season.
The Indian Meteorological Department recognizes four seasons. One is the Cold Weather Season (Mid-November to February):
- Temperature: Decreases from South (warm) to North (cold). January is the coldest month. North India experiences cold waves with temperatures dropping below 10°C, while South India remains pleasant (above 20°C).
- Pressure & Winds: High pressure develops over North India. Winds blow outwards (Northeast Trade Winds) from land to sea, bringing dry weather to most parts.
- Rainfall: Generally dry, except for:
- North-West India: Receives light rain from Western Disturbances (beneficial for Rabi crops like wheat).
- Tamil Nadu Coast: Receives heavy rain from retreating Northeast monsoon winds picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
Project Work
Map Work Guidance
On an outline map of India, locate the following:
- (i) Areas of winter rain: Shade the coast of Tamil Nadu (Coromandel Coast) and parts of Punjab/Haryana (Western Disturbances).
- (ii) Wind direction during summer: Draw arrows coming from the Indian Ocean (South-West) crossing the equator and turning right towards the Indian landmass.
- (iii) Areas < 15°C in Jan: Shade the Himalayan states (J&K, HP, Uttarakhand) and northern parts of Punjab/UP.
- (iv) Isohyet of 100 cm: Draw a line running roughly north-south along the eastern side of the Western Ghats and another line separating the Ganga plains (East UP/Bihar/Bengal receive >100cm, West UP/Haryana receive <100cm).