Climate and Weather in India

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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?

<p>The temperature decreases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the region of northeasterly winds known as?

<p>The Inter Tropical Convergent Zone (ITCZ)</p> 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?

<p>The Southern Oscillation (SO)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does the monsoon season in India typically begin?

<p>June</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>'Burst' of the monsoon</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does the monsoon reach India first?

<p>Kerala</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the monsoon wind bring to India?

<p>Moisture and rainfall</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which region of India receives the highest amount of rainfall?

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

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

<p>The rainfall decreases.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The monsoon rainfall is continuous throughout the monsoon season.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does the retreating monsoon begin?

<p>October</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'October heat'?

<p>An increase in temperature during the retreating monsoon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Cyclonic depressions</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the distribution of rainfall not uniform across India?

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

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

<p>The monsoon winds are a unifying bond that brings the country together, especially for farmers who rely on the rainfall for their livelihoods.</p> 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)

<p>The Tropic of Cancer passes through India, dividing it into two halves: sub-tropical and tropical regions. (B), The areas in India that lie south of the Tropic of Cancer experience a warmer climate compared to those north of it. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Western Rajasthan (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Weather

The state of the atmosphere at a specific location and time, including factors like temperature, wind, humidity, and precipitation.

Climate

The long-term average weather patterns of a region, encompassing variations over years or decades.

Monsoon Winds

India's climate is heavily influenced by these seasonal winds, bringing significant rainfall and impacting weather patterns across the country.

Tropic of Cancer

The line of latitude that passes through India at 23°26′N, dividing the country into tropical and subtropical regions.

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Altitude and Temperature

As you move higher in elevation, the temperature generally decreases. This is why hill stations are cooler than plains.

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Seasonal Air Pressure and Winds

During winter, high pressure over the Himalayas drives cold winds southward. During summer, low pressure over Central Asia reverses this pattern, pulling moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean.

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Jet Streams

High-altitude winds in the troposphere that influence weather patterns, particularly bringing cyclonic disturbances to northern India.

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Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

The Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure area near the equator that plays a role in monsoon formation.

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Land and Water Heating/Cooling Difference

The difference in heating and cooling of land and water creates low pressure over India, drawing in monsoon winds.

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Jet Stream Movement and Rainfall

The movement of the westerly and tropical easterly jet streams influences rainfall distribution in India.

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Southern Oscillation (SO)

The periodic shift in pressure conditions between the eastern South Pacific and eastern Indian oceans influences monsoon intensity.

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Monsoon Onset (Burst)

The onset of monsoon is marked by a sudden increase in rainfall, often referred to as a ‘burst’.

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Monsoon Branching

The division of the monsoon into two branches - the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch - influences rainfall distribution.

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Monsoon Retreat

The period during which the monsoon withdraws from the Indian subcontinent, typically from October to December.

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October Heat

The increase in temperature that occurs in the northern plains during the monsoon's withdrawal, often referred to as 'October heat'.

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Cold Weather Season

The time period from mid-November to February, characterized by cool days and cold nights with possible frost in northern India.

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Northeast Trade Winds (Cold Season)

The prevailing wind pattern during the cold weather season, blowing from land to sea, bringing dry conditions.

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Cyclonic Disturbances (Winter)

Weather disturbances common in northern India during the cold weather season, often bringing winter rainfall and snowfall in the Himalayas.

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Hot Weather Season

The time period from March to May, characterized by rising temperatures and the intense heat of summer.

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Loo (Hot Wind)

A hot, dry wind that blows during the hot weather season, particularly in the northern parts of India.

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Dust Storms (May)

Dust storms accompanied by light rainfall that sometimes occur in northern India during May, bringing temporary relief from the heat.

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Kaal Baisakhi (Thunderstorms)

Torrential downpours accompanied by hail that occur in West Bengal during the hot weather season, known for their intensity.

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Mango Showers

Rain showers common in Kerala and Karnataka during the end of the summer season, helping mangoes ripen earlier.

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Advancing Monsoon

The period of the year when the monsoon is advancing across the country, bringing heavy rainfall to different regions.

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Rainfall on Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, facing the windward side, experience exceptionally heavy rainfall during the early monsoon season.

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Rainfall in Northeast India

The northeastern parts of India receive abundant monsoon rainfall, with Mawsynram in Meghalaya being the wettest place on Earth.

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Rainfall Gradient

As the monsoon advances westward, rainfall gradually decreases, resulting in relatively dry conditions in western India.

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Monsoon as a Unifying Bond

The monsoon brings vital water needed for agriculture, making it a crucial part of India's economy and cultural practices.

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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.

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