CHP-4 CLIMATE
Q. 1. Explain the term Weather and Climate.
Weather refers to the condition of the atmosphere like, temperature, atmospheric
pressure, wind, humidity and precipitation over an area at any point of time. Climate
refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long
period of time (more than thirty years).
Q. 2. What are the elements of weather and climate?
The elements of weather and climate are the same, i.e. temperature, atmospheric
pressure, wind, humidity and Precipitation.
Q.3.What is meant by seasons?
There is some common pattern of the atmospheric conditions over a few weeks or
months, i.e. days are cool or hot, windy or calm, cloudy or bright, and wet or dry. On the
basis of the generalized monthly atmospheric conditions, the year is divided into seasons
such as winter, summer or rainy seasons.
Q.4. Describe the climate of India.
i) The climate of India is described as the ‘monsoon’ type. This type of climate is found
mainly in the south and the Southeast Asia. We get ample rain fall during the months of
June- July to September –October.
ii) The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country from the Rann of
Kuchchh in the west to Mizoram in the east. Almost half of the country, lying south of
the Tropic of Cancer, belongs to the tropical area. All the remaining area, north of the
Tropics lies in the sub-tropics. Therefore, India’s climate has characteristics of tropical
as well as subtropical climates.
Q. 5. Describe the regional variations in temperature and precipitations in India.
a. In summer, the temperature occasionally reaches 50°C in some parts of the Rajasthan
desert, whereas it may be around 20°C in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. ii) On a
winter night, temperature at Drass in Jammu and Kashmir may be as low as minus 45°C.
Tiruvananthapuram, in Kerala, on the other hand, may have a temperature of 22°C.
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, b. While precipitation is mostly in the form of snowfall in the upper parts of Himalayas,
it rains over the rest of the country. The annual precipitation varies from over 400 cm in
Meghalaya to less than 10 cm in Ladakh and western Rajasthan.
c. Most parts of the country receive rainfall from June to September. But some parts like
the Tamil Nadu coast get most of its rain during October and November.
Q. 6. Explain the climatic control of a place. (Or the factors affecting the climate of a
place)
i) Latitude: Due to the curvature of the earth, the amount of solar energy received varies
according to latitude. As a result, air temperature decreases from the equator towards the
poles.
ii) Altitude: As one goes from the surface of the earth to higher altitudes, the atmosphere
becomes less dense and temperature decreases. The hills are therefore cooler during
summers.
iii) The pressure and wind system: The pressure and wind system of any area depend on
the latitude and altitude of the place. Thus it influences the temperature and rainfall
pattern.
iv) The distance from the sea: The sea exerts a moderating influence on climate: As the
distance from the sea increases, its moderating influence decreases and the people
experience extreme weather conditions. This condition is known as continentality (i.e.
very hot during summers and very cold during winters).
v) Ocean currents: Ocean currents along with onshore winds affect the climate of the
coastal areas. For example, any coastal area with warm or cold currents flowing past it,
will be warmed or cooled if the winds are onshore.
vi) Relief: Relief too plays a major role in determining the climate of a place. High
mountains act as barriers for cold or hot winds; they may also cause precipitation if they
are high enough and lie in the path of rain-bearing winds.
Q.7. Describe the factors affecting India’s climate.
The climate and associated weather conditions in India are governed by: a. Latitude: The
Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country from the Rann of Kuchchh in
the west to Mizoram in the east. Almost half of the country, lying south of the Tropic of
Cancer, belongs to the tropical area. All the remaining area, north of the Tropic, lies in
the sub-tropics Therefore, India’s climate has characteristics of tropical as well as
subtropical climates. b. Altitude: India has mountains to the north, which have an
average height of about 6,000 metres. India also has a vast coastal area where the
maximum elevation is about 30 metres. The Himalayas prevent the cold winds from
Central Asia from entering the subcontinent. It is because of these mountains that this
subcontinent experiences comparatively milder winters as compared to central Asia. c.
Pressure and Winds: It includes pressure and surface winds, Upper air circulation and
western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones. India lies in the region of north
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