NCERT Solutions Class 9 Social Science Geography Contemporary India Chapter – 4 Climate
Q. 1. Choose the correct answer from the four alternatives given below.
(i) Which one of the following places receives the highest rainfall in the world?
(a) Silchar
(b) Mawsynram
(c) Cherrapunji
(d) Guwahati
Answer:-
The place that receives the highest rainfall in the world is Mawsynram (b). 🌧️
👌Additional Information
🔹 Mawsynram, located in the Meghalaya state of India, holds the record for the highest annual rainfall. It receives approximately 11,871 mm of rainfall every year!
🔹 It is even wetter than Cherrapunji, which was previously known for having extreme rainfall.
🔹 The heavy rain in these areas is due to the monsoon winds and their unique geographic location near the Khasi hills.
📚 Fun Fact: People in Mawsynram often use thick grass to cover their homes to protect themselves from the continuous heavy rain! ☔
(ii) The wind blowing in the northern plains in summers is known as:
(a) Kaal Baisakhi
(b) Loo
(c) Trade Winds
(d) None of the above
Answer:-
The correct answer is (b) Loo. 🌬️🔥
👌Additional Information
🔹 Loo is a hot and dry wind that blows over the northern plains of India during the summer season.
🔹 These winds usually blow in the afternoons and can cause severe heat-related issues like dehydration and heatstroke.
🔹 They are especially common in states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
📚 Tip for Protection: Drinking plenty of water and staying indoors during peak afternoon hours can help avoid the harmful effects of the loo! 🚰☀️
Would you like more details on how loo affects climate and health? 😃📖
(iii) Monsoon arrives in India approximately in:
(a) Early May
(b) Early July
(c) Early June
(d) Early August
Answer:-
The correct answer is (c) Early June. 🌧️🌿
👌Additional Information
🔹 The monsoon season in India officially begins in early June when the Southwest Monsoon winds start bringing heavy rainfall.
🔹 It first arrives in Kerala, marking the beginning of the monsoon across the country.
🔹 From Kerala, it moves northward, covering different regions over the next few weeks.
📚 Fun Fact: The monsoon is crucial for Indian agriculture, as it provides water for crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane! 🌾🚜
(iv) Which one of the following characterises the cold weather season in India?
(a) Warm days and warm nights
(b) Warm days and cold nights
(c) Cool days and cold nights
(d) Cold days and warm nights
Answer:-
The correct answer is (c) Cool days and cold nights. ❄️🌡️
👌Additional Information
🔹 The cold weather season in India lasts from December to February.
🔹 During this time, temperatures drop, especially in northern India, leading to cool days and chilly nights.
🔹 The weather remains dry, with clear skies and low humidity.
🔹 Frost is common in some northern regions, while the southern parts of India experience relatively milder winters.
📚 Fun Fact: In some parts of India, like Dras in Ladakh, temperatures can drop below -20°C during winter! 🥶🏔️
Q. 2. Answer the following questions briefly.
(i) What are the controls affecting the climate of India?
(ii) Why does India have a monsoon type of climate?
(iii) Which part of India does experience the highest diurnal range of temperature
and why?
(iv) Which winds account for rainfall along the Malabar coast?
(v) Define monsoons. What do you understand by “break” in monsoon?
(vi) Why is the monsoon considered a unifying bond?
Answer:-
🔹 (i) Controls Affecting the Climate of India:
The major factors controlling India’s climate are:
- Latitude (Tropical and subtropical zones) 🌍
- Altitude (Himalayas prevent cold winds) ⛰️
- Pressure & Winds (Monsoon winds, Western Disturbances) 💨
- Distance from the Sea (Coastal regions have moderate climate) 🌊
- Relief Features (Mountains, plateaus affect climate variation)
🔹 (ii) Why Does India Have a Monsoon Type of Climate?
India experiences a monsoon climate due to:
- Intense differential heating between land and sea 🌡️
- Seasonal reversal of winds (Summer monsoon brings rain, winter monsoon is dry) 💨
- The presence of Himalayas helps trap moisture-laden winds ⛰️
🔹 (iii) Which Part of India Experiences the Highest Diurnal Range of Temperature and Why?
- The Thar Desert (Rajasthan) has the highest diurnal temperature range 🌅❄️.
- Due to low humidity, the temperature rises extremely during the day but drops sharply at night.
🔹 (iv) Which Winds Account for Rainfall Along the Malabar Coast?
- The Southwest Monsoon winds 🌧️ bring rainfall to the Malabar Coast (Kerala, Karnataka).
- These winds originate over the ocean and carry heavy moisture.
🔹 (v) Define Monsoons. What Do You Understand by “Break” in Monsoon?
- Monsoons are seasonal winds that bring heavy rainfall in summer and retreat in winter. 💨🌦️
- A “Break” in Monsoon refers to temporary dry spells within the monsoon season, where rainfall stops for a few days.
🔹 (vi) Why Is the Monsoon Considered a Unifying Bond?
- Monsoons connect different regions by providing essential water for agriculture 🌾.
- The entire country depends on monsoon rains, making it a crucial factor in India’s economy and culture.
Q. 3. Why does the rainfall decrease from the east to the west in Northern India.
Answer:-
Rainfall decreases from east to west in Northern India due to the following reasons:
🔹 Southwest Monsoon Winds 🌧️
- The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon winds brings heavy rainfall to the eastern parts of Northern India (like West Bengal, Bihar, and eastern Uttar Pradesh).
- As these winds move westward, they lose moisture, leading to less rainfall in western regions like Rajasthan and western Uttar Pradesh.
🔹 Distance from Moisture Source 🌊
- Eastern India is closer to the Bay of Bengal, which supplies ample moisture for heavy rains.
- As the winds move inland, the availability of moisture reduces, causing a gradual decline in rainfall.
🔹 Topography & Himalayas ⛰️
- The Himalayas block moisture-laden winds, forcing them to shed their rain in the eastern regions.
- Western parts like Rajasthan lie in the rain shadow, receiving very little rainfall.
📚 Fun Fact: Rajasthan’s Thar Desert is one of the driest regions in India due to this pattern of rainfall distribution! 🏜️
Q. 4. Give reasons as to why.
(i) Seasonal reversal of wind direction takes place over the Indian subcontinent?
(ii) The bulk of rainfall in India is concentrated over a few months.
(iii) The Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall.
(iv) The delta region of the eastern coast is frequently struck by cyclones.
(v) Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western Ghats are
drought-prone.
Answer:-
🔹 (i) Seasonal Reversal of Wind Direction Over the Indian Subcontinent 💨
- India experiences seasonal reversal due to the differential heating of land and sea. 🌡️
- In summer, the land heats up faster, creating low pressure, and moisture-laden Southwest Monsoon winds blow from the ocean to the land, bringing rainfall.
- In winter, the land cools down quickly, forming high pressure, causing dry Northeast Monsoon winds to blow from land to the ocean.
🔹 (ii) The Bulk of Rainfall in India is Concentrated Over a Few Months 🌧️
- India’s rainfall is monsoon-dependent, with 75% of total rainfall occurring between June and September.
- The Southwest Monsoon winds bring heavy rain in a short duration.
- Post-monsoon, dry winds dominate, leading to little rainfall in other months.
🔹 (iii) The Tamil Nadu Coast Receives Winter Rainfall ☔
- While most of India gets rainfall in summer, Tamil Nadu receives winter rainfall due to the Northeast Monsoon winds.
- These winds pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and cause rainfall along the Tamil Nadu coast during October–December.
🔹 (iv) The Delta Region of the Eastern Coast is Frequently Struck by Cyclones 🌪️
- The Bay of Bengal is a warm water body, ideal for cyclone formation.
- During post-monsoon months (October–November), cyclonic storms develop and hit the delta regions (Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal).
- These areas are vulnerable due to their flat terrain and proximity to the ocean.
🔹 (v) Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Leeward Side of the Western Ghats are Drought-Prone 🏜️
- Rajasthan & Gujarat: Located far from moisture-laden winds, receiving very little rainfall.
- Leeward side of the Western Ghats: The Western Ghats block the monsoon winds, causing orographic rainfall on the windward side and leaving the leeward side (rain shadow region) dry.
Q. 5. Describe the regional variations in the climatic conditions of India with the help
of suitable examples.
Answer:-
✨ Regional Variations in India’s Climate 🌍
India experiences diverse climatic conditions due to its vast size and geographical features. Here are some key variations with examples:
1️⃣ The Himalayan Region – Cold & Snowy ❄️
- The northernmost parts (Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh) experience severe cold during winter.
- Places like Dras and Leh record temperatures below -20°C in winter.
2️⃣ Western Rajasthan – Arid & Hot 🏜️
- Rajasthan experiences extremely high temperatures in summer, sometimes exceeding 50°C!
- Cities like Jaisalmer & Bikaner receive less than 250 mm of rainfall annually, making them desert regions.
3️⃣ The Coastal Regions – Moderate Climate 🌊
- Places like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kerala have a maritime climate with moderate temperatures.
- These areas receive heavy rainfall due to their proximity to the ocean.
4️⃣ The Northeast – Wettest Region 🌧️
- Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya receive the highest rainfall in the world (~11,871 mm annually).
- The monsoon brings continuous heavy rains, making it a humid region.
5️⃣ The Central Plateau – Moderate to High Temperature 🌄
- Places like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh have hot summers and moderate winters.
- They experience moderate rainfall but are drier than coastal areas.
6️⃣ The Southern Tip – Equatorial Climate 🌿
- Kerala and Tamil Nadu have a warm & humid climate due to their proximity to the equator.
- Tamil Nadu receives winter rainfall from the Northeast Monsoon unlike other parts of India.
📚 Conclusion: The latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, and geographical features influence India’s diverse climate. 🌡️💨
Q. 6. Give an account of weather conditions and characteristics of the cold season.
Answer:-
✨ Weather Conditions & Characteristics of the Cold Season in India ❄️🌡️
The cold weather season in India occurs from December to February. During this time, temperatures drop significantly, especially in northern India.
Weather Conditions:
🔹 Temperature:
- Northern India experiences low temperatures, with regions like Ladakh & Himachal Pradesh recording sub-zero temperatures.
- Southern India remains moderate due to its proximity to the sea.
🔹 Clear Skies & Dry Air:
- Skies remain clear, and the air is dry with low humidity.
- The absence of cloud cover leads to cold nights.
🔹 Western Disturbances & Rainfall:
- The Western Disturbances, originating from the Mediterranean region, bring rainfall and snowfall to the northwestern Himalayas.
- Some regions, like Punjab & Haryana, receive light rain, benefiting winter crops like wheat.
🔹 Cold Waves & Frost:
- Extreme cold waves affect plains of North India, leading to frost formation.
- Cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Lucknow experience dense fog in the mornings.
Characteristics of the Cold Season:
✔️ Short Days & Long Nights ⏳
✔️ Low Temperatures Across Northern India ❄️
✔️ Western Disturbances Bring Rain & Snow 🌧️
✔️ Dry Winds & Clear Skies 🌬️
📚 Conclusion: The cold season is marked by low temperatures, clear skies, and occasional rain due to Western Disturbances. While northern regions face severe cold, the southern parts of India remain mild.
Q. 7. Give the characteristics and effects of the monsoon rainfall in India.
Answer:-
✨ Monsoon Rainfall in India – Characteristics & Effects 🌧️🌿
Characteristics of Monsoon Rainfall:
🔹 Seasonal Winds: Monsoons are seasonal winds that reverse direction between summer and winter. 💨
🔹 Uneven Distribution: Some regions receive heavy rainfall (Mawsynram, Kerala), while others remain dry (Rajasthan, Gujarat). 🌎
🔹 Sudden Onset & Intensity: The monsoon arrives abruptly, bringing heavy downpours within a short period. 🌧️
🔹 Breaks in Monsoon: Sometimes, rainfall pauses for a few days before resuming—this is called a monsoon break. ⏳
🔹 Retreating Monsoon: By October, monsoon winds withdraw, leading to post-monsoon rains in Tamil Nadu. ☔
Effects of Monsoon Rainfall:
✔️ Supports Agriculture: Monsoon is crucial for crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane, providing water for farming. 🌾🚜
✔️ Fills Rivers & Lakes: Heavy rain replenishes water bodies, ensuring fresh water supply. 🌊
✔️ Boosts Economy: Good monsoon ensures better crop yield, leading to economic growth. 💰
✔️ Floods & Landslides: Excess rainfall can cause flooding (Assam, Bihar) and landslides (Himalayan states). 🌪️🏔️
✔️ Impact on Transport: Continuous rain disrupts roads, railways, and air travel, causing delays. 🚗🚂
📚 Conclusion: Monsoon rainfall is a lifeline for India, influencing agriculture, water resources, and the economy. However, it can also lead to floods, landslides, and destruction in certain areas. 🌦️