Climate and Weather in India

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the main difference between weather and climate?

Weather is the state of the atmosphere over an area at a given point of time, while climate is the total of weather conditions and variations occurring over a large area over a long period of time.

What type of climate does India have?

India has a 'monsoon' type of climate.

What is the latitude that passes through India?

The Tropic of Cancer

What happens to the temperature as you travel to higher altitudes?

The temperature decreases. Signup and view all the answers

What is the region of northeasterly winds known as?

The Inter Tropical Convergent Zone (ITCZ) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the phenomenon that involves a periodic change in pressure conditions between the Eastern Indian Ocean and the Eastern South Pacific Ocean?

The Southern Oscillation (SO) Signup and view all the answers

When does the monsoon season in India typically begin?

June Signup and view all the answers

What is the period of heavy rainfall that marks the arrival of the monsoon in India known as?

'Burst' of the monsoon Signup and view all the answers

Where does the monsoon reach India first?

Kerala Signup and view all the answers

What does the monsoon wind bring to India?

Moisture and rainfall Signup and view all the answers

Which region of India receives the highest amount of rainfall?

The northeastern parts of the country, particularly Mawsynram in Meghalaya Signup and view all the answers

What is the trend of rainfall as you move from east to west in India?

The rainfall decreases. Signup and view all the answers

The monsoon rainfall is continuous throughout the monsoon season.

False Signup and view all the answers

When does the retreating monsoon begin?

October Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'October heat'?

An increase in temperature during the retreating monsoon. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source of rainfall in the Coromandel Coast?

Cyclonic depressions Signup and view all the answers

Why is the distribution of rainfall not uniform across India?

Due to geographical factors such as mountains and the direction of the monsoon winds Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the monsoon winds for the people of India?

The monsoon winds are a unifying bond that brings the country together, especially for farmers who rely on the rainfall for their livelihoods. Signup and view all the answers

Choose the correct options that describe the effect of latitude on the climate of India. (Select all that apply)

The Tropic of Cancer passes through India, dividing it into two halves: sub-tropical and tropical regions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions receive the lowest rainfall in India?

Western Rajasthan Signup and view all the answers

The arrival of the monsoon is celebrated with festivals in India.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Climate

Weather is the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place.
Climate is the total of weather conditions over a long period of time.
Climate in India is largely monsoon-based.
Significant regional variations exist in rainfall.
Variations in temperature are notable, with extremes in different locations.

Factors Affecting India's Climate

Latitude: The Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) divides India into tropical and subtropical zones, influencing temperature.
Altitude: Temperature decreases with increasing elevation. A drop of 1°C for every 166 meters of ascent.
Air Pressure and Surface Winds:
- Northeasterly winds carry little moisture in winter.
- In summer, wind direction reverses, bringing moisture from the Indian Ocean.
- Jet streams influence weather patterns, particularly in the northwest.

The Indian Monsoon

India's climate is strongly influenced by monsoon winds.
Differences in heating and cooling between land and water create low-pressure areas over the land.
Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure area near the equator.
High pressure east of Madagascar influences the Indian Monsoon.
Jet streams affect monsoon patterns.

The Onset and Withdrawal of the Monsoon

Monsoon season typically lasts from June to mid-September.
The monsoon arrives gradually first in Kerala and then progresses through other regions.
Two branches, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea branch, of monsoon winds impact India.
Withdrawal of the monsoon starts in September-October.

The Seasons

Cold Weather Season: Mid-November to February, coldest months are December and January, noticeable frost in northern India.
Hot Weather Season: March to May. Highest temperatures in northwestern India. "Loo" winds are a feature.
Advancing Monsoon: Low pressure conditions intensify in June. Southeast trade winds bring moisture and rainfall.
Retreating Monsoon: Monsoon winds weaken and withdraw from Northern Plains in October. Cyclonic depressions bring rain to the eastern coast.

Distribution of Rainfall

Rainfall varies greatly across India, with some areas receiving significantly more than others.
Western Ghats receive the most rainfall.
Areas like western Rajasthan receive the least rainfall.
Rainfall patterns contribute to both droughts and floods in different parts of the country.

Monsoon as a Unifying Bond

The monsoon unifies India through its influence on agricultural practices and daily life.
Celebrations mark the arrival of the monsoon.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the characteristics of climate versus weather and their impact on India. Learn about the factors influencing India's climate, including latitude, altitude, and monsoon winds. Understand the significance of regional variations in rainfall and temperature extremes.