213 Questions
Why do people wear lighter clothes during summers?
To stay cool in the hot weather
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Climate is the average of weather over a longer period, while weather is the momentary state of the atmosphere
What does 'monsoon' signify?
Climate associated with seasonal reversal in wind direction
What type of climate does India have?
Tropical monsoonal climate
How do weather changes differ from climate changes?
Weather changes quickly within a day or week, while climate changes slowly
What does the unity of India with southeast Asia in terms of monsoon climate refer to?
Regional variations in monsoon rainfall patterns
What causes the monsoon winds to shed their moisture within the subcontinent?
The Himalayas trapping the monsoon winds
Why do areas in the interior of India experience extremes of climate?
As they are far away from the moderating influence of the sea
What causes different air pressure zones in and around the Indian subcontinent?
Differential heating of land and sea
Why do places in the mountains have cooler temperatures compared to places on the plains?
Temperature decreases with height
What factor affects the temperature, air pressure, and direction of wind in India due to its physiography?
Relief or physiography
In winter months, what type of air mass reaches India from Central Asia?
Dry continental air mass
What influences the weather conditions over India during winter months?
High pressure centre in Central Asia
What causes the southwest monsoon in India?
Presence of a thermal low over north and northwest India
When does the southwest monsoon typically set in over the Kerala coast?
1st June
What is responsible for the burst of the monsoon in India?
Easterly jet stream
Which phenomenon is related to the withdrawal of the westerly jet stream from its position over the north Indian plain?
Easterly jet stream
What causes rainfall over the plains of north India?
Bay of Bengal current
How often does the EI-Nino weather system generally appear?
Every three to seven years
What does EI-Nino bring to different parts of the world?
Weather extremes like droughts and floods
What increases the temperature of water on the Peruvian coast?
Humbolt current
Which current gets temporarily replaced by the cold Peruvian current?
Equatorial current
When does the southwest monsoon engulf the entire subcontinent?
July
What is one result of the first rain in the southwest monsoon season?
A substantial decrease in temperature
What is the term used to describe the sudden onset of moisture-laden winds associated with thunder and lightning in the monsoon season?
Burst
When may the monsoon burst occur in the coastal areas of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra?
First week of June
How much can the day temperature decline between the onset of monsoon and summer?
$5°C$ to $8°C$
What direction do the moisture-laden winds follow after crossing the equator?
Southwesterly
Which region of India experiences high temperatures throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator?
Southern part of India
Which Indian state experiences extreme climate with high daily and annual range of temperature?
Jammu and Kashmir
Which region of India is shielded from cold northern winds by the Himalayan Mountains?
Jammu and Kashmir
Which two places experience extreme temperature differences on the same day with Churu recording 50°C and Tawang recording 19°C?
Churu and Tawang
Which Indian cities experience a notable temperature difference between day and night?
Thiruvananthapuram and Tawang
Which Indian state receives rainfall during the winter season on its coastal areas?
Tamil Nadu
Which Indian city is known for receiving very high annual rainfall compared to Jaisalmer?
Cherrapunji
Which factors determine India's climate according to the text?
Location and relief only
What kind of climate does India have?
Monsoonal climate
Where does snowfall occur in India according to the text?
Khasi Hills of Meghalaya
What is the reason behind the lack of a well-defined cold weather season in the Peninsular region of India?
Proximity to the equator
Why do coastal areas in India experience hardly any seasonal change in temperature distribution?
Moderating effect of the sea and proximity to the equator
What is the characteristic of winds over the Bay of Bengal when not influenced by topography?
Northeasterly
How do winter monsoons affect rainfall patterns in most parts of India?
Bring little humidity, reducing the possibility of rainfall
Which region in India receives a meager amount of winter rainfall from weak temperate cyclones originating from the Mediterranean Sea?
Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh
What is the average winter rainfall in Delhi?
53 mm
In which months do temperatures start rising in North India?
March - May
What is the role of Westerly Jet Streams in steering depressions in India?
Steering depressions towards India
Why do winter monsoons not cause rainfall as they move from land to sea?
Anti-cyclonic circulation on land
What is the reason for the decrease in precipitation from west to east in the plains?
Topographical influence
What role does the Tibetan highlands play in the path of jet streams?
They create a barrier causing jet streams to split.
Where does the southern branch of the jet stream blow in the winter season?
South of the Himalayas
Which region is influenced by the southern branch of the jet stream in winter?
India
What happens to the westerly jet stream over the Indian region in summer?
It withdraws from the Indian region.
What causes an inflow of winds into the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
Low pressure area
What is the easterly jet stream's role in steering tropical depressions into India?
It guides tropical depressions towards India.
Where is the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) located in July?
20°N-25°N latitudes
What type of airmass rushes to the low pressure area as part of the southwest monsoon?
Maritime tropical airmass
What is the reason for the mild and less intense hot weather season in south India compared to north India?
Moderating effect of the oceans
What effect does altitude have on the temperatures in the hills of Western Ghats?
Reduces temperatures
What is the general trend of temperatures from the coast to the interior in coastal regions of India?
Temperatures increase from the coast to the interior
Which phenomenon causes the influx of winds that bring about a change in weather towards the rainy season by mid-June?
Heating of the subcontinent
What kind of winds are 'Loo' and when do they typically blow in the northwestern region of India?
Dry and hot winds, afternoon to midnight
What is a common feature associated with local storms during hot weather season in India?
Hailstorms and light rains
'Mango Showers' and 'Blossom Showers' are phenomena associated with which Indian regions?
Coastal Karnataka and Kerala
What significant role do southeast trade winds play during the Southwest Monsoon Season in India?
Cross the equator, bring moisture, and contribute to monsoon rains
What is the meaning of the term El-Nino?
Child Christ
Which of the following is NOT a consequence of El-Nino?
Increase in the amount of planktons
What was the impact of the 1990-91 El-Nino event on India's southwest monsoon?
Delayed onset
What does the onset of monsoon result in?
Low pressure cell attracting southwest trades
Which region in India experiences dry spells associated with winds blowing parallel to the coast during southwest monsoon?
West Coast
What are the four recognized seasons by meteorologists in India?
Cold Weather Season, Hot Weather Season, Southwest Monsoon Season, Retreating Monsoon Season
What is a break in the monsoon?
Failure of rain for one or more weeks during monsoon
What influences the path of tropical depressions originating from the Bay of Bengal over India?
Position of ITCZ
How is the cold weather season described in terms of temperature?
Mean daily temperature remains below 21°C over most parts of northern India.
How can the intensity of southwest monsoon winds be measured?
By measuring pressure differences between Tahiti and port Darwin
What distinguishes weather from climate?
Weather is the momentary state of the atmosphere, while climate refers to the average of weather conditions over time.
What is the significance of the monsoon in India?
It influences seasonal reversal in wind direction and brings essential rainfall.
Why does southern India not require woollen clothes in winters?
Because southern India experiences mild winters compared to northern India.
What does the unity of India with southeast Asia in terms of monsoon climate refer to?
Common experiences of seasonal reversal in wind direction and essential rainfall.
What characterizes India's hot monsoonal climate?
Seasonal reversal in wind direction with essential rainfall.
How does the text describe the differences in weather and climate changes?
Weather changes imperceptively and is noted over 50 years, while climate changes quickly within a day or week.
How does the Himalayas impact the monsoon winds in the Indian subcontinent?
They trap the monsoon winds, forcing them to release their moisture within the subcontinent.
What effect does altitude have on temperature in India?
Temperature decreases with altitude.
How does relief or physiography affect rainfall in India?
Windward sides receive high rainfall.
What creates different air pressure zones in and around the Indian subcontinent?
Differential heating of land and sea.
How does the distribution of air pressure and winds influence local climates in India?
It determines the direction and speed of wind.
Why do coastal areas in India have an equable climate compared to interior regions?
Moderating influence of the sea.
What is the role of the Tibetan highlands in relation to the jet streams?
Creating a barrier that bifurcates the jet streams
Which branch of the jet stream blows in an eastward direction south of the Himalayas during winter?
Southern branch
Where does the mean position of the southern branch of the jet stream lie in February at the 200-300 mb level?
25°N
What meteorological phenomenon exercises an important influence on winter weather in India?
Western Cyclonic Disturbances
Which region experiences tropical cyclones originating over the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean?
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Orissa coast
What is a common characteristic of the climate of Kerala and Tamil Nadu compared to that of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar?
Higher annual rainfall
Which region in India experiences extreme seasonal temperature variations with temperature reaching 55°C in summer and -45°C in winter?
Western Rajasthan
What type of precipitation occurs in the Himalayas as opposed to the rest of the country?
Heavy snowfall
Which factor helps shield India from cold northern winds according to the text?
The Himalayan Mountains
What is the primary reason for the high annual rainfall in Cherrapunji and Mawsynram compared to Jaisalmer?
Mountainous terrain
Which part of India experiences strong rain-bearing storms almost every third or fifth day in July and August?
Ganga delta and coastal plains of Orissa
Which region of India receives rainfall during the beginning of the winter season instead of June-September like most parts of the country?
Kerala coast
What role do the Himalayas play in influencing the climate of India?
Acts as a climatic barrier
What distinguishes the climate near the Tropic of Cancer from that away from it?
Extreme temperatures near Tropic of Cancer.
What contributes to the seasonal variations in temperature across India?
Latitude differences
What term is often used to describe the sudden onset of the moisture-laden winds associated with violent thunder and lightning during the southwest monsoon season?
Monsoon burst
When does the monsoon burst typically occur in the interior parts of India according to the text?
Second week of June
What is one immediate impact of the first rain during the southwest monsoon season?
Substantial temperature decline
Why are southwest monsoons referred to as such?
They follow a southwesterly direction after crossing the equator
What is a common term used to describe the temperature decrease of 5°C to 8°C during the southwest monsoon season in India?
Monsoon chill
What is the main reason behind the formation of southwest monsoon in India?
Shift of ITCZ
Why does the southwest monsoon bring heavy rainfall to the west coast of India?
Offshore meteorological conditions
What is EI-Nino and how does it affect weather patterns, including in India?
A warm current near Peru affecting weather extremes like droughts and floods
What leads to the onset of the southwest monsoon over the Indian subcontinent?
Differential heating of land and sea
What causes a distinct break in the monsoon season in India?
Movement of westerly jet stream from south of Himalayas
Why does rainfall occur over the plains of north India during the monsoon season?
Influx of moisture-laden winds from Arabian Sea
What geographical feature influences the burst of monsoon in India?
Presence of Tibetan highlands
Which weather phenomenon can be associated with the withdrawal of westerly jet stream over north Indian plain?
'Loo' blowing from northwest India
What is the average daily minimum temperature during the summer months in south India according to the text?
26°C
Why do temperatures in the hills of Western Ghats remain below 25°C?
Due to high altitude
What local storms are associated with violent winds, torrential rains, and hailstorms during the hot weather season in India?
Nor Westers
'Loo' refers to which weather phenomenon in the northwestern region of India?
Oppressing heat
What phenomena are known as 'Kalbaisakhi' and 'Bardoli Chheerha' in Bengal and Assam respectively?
'Nor Westers'
What weather changes occur as the ITCZ moves northwards in July over the Indian subcontinent?
Dry and hot winds ('Loo')
What is the characteristic of winds over North Bengal and Bihar during the summer months?
'Loo'
What are 'Nor Westers' known as in Assam?
Bardoli Chheerha
What is one impact of the El-Nino phenomenon on sea life?
Decrease in fish population
Why do Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan experience excessive cold during the cold weather season?
Continental climate
What is the primary reason for a break in the monsoon during the southwest monsoon season?
Failure of rain-bearing storms along ITCZ
What is a significant characteristic of the hot weather season in India?
High day and night temperatures
In what way do tropical depressions affect rainfall patterns over India?
Cause localized heavy rainfall
What is the primary difference between the southwest monsoon season and the retreating monsoon season in India?
Wind direction
How do meteorologists describe the climatic conditions of India?
"Four seasons" cycle
What causes dry spells over the west coast of India during the rainy season?
"Continuation of southeast trades"
Why does north India experience a decline in temperature around February during the cold weather season?
"Cold waves" from Caspian Sea
What causes fluctuations in rainfall intensity from year to year over India?
Position of ITCZ oscillations
Why do most parts of India not receive rainfall during the winter season?
Anti cyclonic circulation causes a reduction in rainfall
What is the reason behind the snowfall in the lower Himalayas during the winter season?
Snow sustains the flow of water in rivers
What causes torrential rainfall over specific regions during October and November in India?
Northeast monsoon
Which phenomenon is NOT a cause of winter rainfall in India's central parts and northern parts of the southern Peninsula?
Monsoonal winds
What is the primary factor that contributes to the regional variations in temperature across different parts of India?
Altitude
Which region in India experiences extreme climate with high daily and annual range of temperature?
Rajasthan
Which factor acts as a climatic divide in protecting India from cold northern winds?
The Himalayas
Which region of India receives an extremely high amount of rainfall compared to others?
Meghalaya
Which geographical feature contributes significantly to the variations in temperature and precipitation in India?
Himalayas
What is the primary reason behind the seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation in India?
Geographical Location
In which Indian state might one find a temperature difference of 70 degrees Celsius between day and night temperatures?
Rajasthan
Which month does the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu typically receive rainfall according to the text?
October-January
What is the typical annual precipitation amount in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan?
Less than 10 cm
Which region of India may record temperatures as low as minus 45°C in winter?
Drass (Jammu and Kashmir)
Why do people wear heavy woollen clothes during winters in north India?
To stay warm in cold weather
What is the primary difference between weather and climate?
Weather is the momentary state of the atmosphere, while climate refers to the average of weather conditions over time.
What does the term 'monsoon' connote?
Climate associated with seasonal winds reversal
How does the monsoon regime in India emphasize unity and diversity?
By highlighting the regional variations which differentiate different regions
What characterizes the hot monsoonal climate prevalent in south and southeast Asia?
Hot and humid conditions with seasonal winds reversal
What is the key reason for wearing lighter clothes during summers?
To stay cool in hot weather
What creates different air pressure zones in and around the Indian subcontinent?
Himalayas
Which factor influences the path of tropical depressions originating from the Bay of Bengal over India?
Distribution of Land and Water
What is responsible for the burst of the monsoon in India?
Differential heating of land and sea
What is a common term used to describe the temperature decrease with height in India?
Lapse rate effect
In India, why do areas in the interior experience extremes of climate compared to coastal areas?
Distance from the sea
What affects the temperature, air pressure, wind direction, and rainfall distribution in India?
Upper air circulation
During which season are weather conditions in India influenced by high pressure in Central and Western Asia?
Winter season
What atmospheric layer witnesses a different pattern of air circulation higher up from the surface of the Earth?
Lower troposphere
What causes fluctuations in rainfall intensity from year to year over India?
El-Nino phenomenon
What is the primary reason for the southwest monsoon to set in over the Kerala coast by 1st June?
Formation of an intense low pressure in the northwestern part of the subcontinent due to differential heating of land and sea.
What term is often used to describe the sudden onset of moisture-laden winds associated with thunder and lightning during the southwest monsoon season in India?
Break
How does El-Nino affect the Indian monsoon?
It brings drought to different parts of the world, including India.
In which week of June can the monsoon burst be expected in the interior parts of India?
First week
What is one major factor responsible for the intensity of rainfall over the west coast of India during the southwest monsoon?
Offshore meteorological conditions.
What may be the reason for a delay in the monsoon burst in the interior parts of India compared to coastal areas?
Different air pressure zones
What causes the onset of monsoon winds in India according to historical belief?
Differential heating of land and sea during summer months.
What phenomenon brings down the temperature substantially after the first rain during the southwest monsoon season?
Monsoon
What role does the easterly jet stream play in relation to monsoon in India?
Associated with the burst of monsoon in India.
What is responsible for rainfall over the plains of North India during the southwest monsoon?
Rain-bearing systems originating in the Bay of Bengal.
What is the term used to describe the southwest monsoons due to their direction after crossing the equator?
Southwest Monsoons
What causes a distinct change in wind direction from southwest to northeast during summer trade winds?
Shift of ITCZ due to differential heating.
What characteristic distinguishes rainfall along the Western Ghats during monsoon season?
'Orographic' nature due to obstruction and forced rising of moist air.
'The withdrawal of westerly jet stream from its position over north Indian plain, south of the Himalayas' is associated with which phenomenon?
'Break' in the Indian monsoon season.
What is the role of the southern branch of the jet stream in India's winter weather?
Exercising an important influence on India's winter weather
What is the significance of the westerly jet stream in relation to western cyclonic disturbances entering India?
Steering western cyclonic disturbances into India
How does the ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone) affect the movement of air over India during July?
Attracting winds from different directions due to a zone of low pressure
How does the easterly jet stream influence the distribution of monsoon rainfall over India?
Playing a significant role in determining the rainfall pattern in India
What is the primary reason for the easterlies not extending beyond 30° N latitude in the upper atmosphere?
Strong influence of the ITCZ on wind direction
How do tropical depressions steered by the easterly jet stream affect the rainfall pattern in India?
Determining areas of highest rainfall in India
In what way does the withdrawal of the westerly jet stream impact the weather over North India during summer?
Brings hot and dry conditions to North Indian plains
What is a key feature of the easterly jet stream over the southern part of the Peninsula during June?
Maximum speed of 90 km per hour
What leads to the formation of tropical cyclones over the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean?
Moist air currents from maritime tropical airmass rushing into low pressure areas.
How does the movement of tropical depressions steered by easterly jet streams impact monsoon rainfall over India?
Determines areas of highest rainfall in India.
Why do temperatures in the hills of Western Ghats remain below 25°C?
Because of the altitude
What brings about a change in weather towards the rainy season by mid-June in India?
Influx of southwesterly monsoon winds
What gives rise to local storms of great intensity during the hot weather season?
Contact between dry and moist air masses
Why are locally known 'Mango showers' important towards the end of summer in Kerala and coastal areas of Karnataka?
They help in early ripening of mangoes
Which phenomenon is associated with hot, dry, and oppressing winds blowing from Punjab to Bihar?
'Loo'
Where do the southeast trade winds cross over before entering the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea?
Equator
What contributes to the intensity of local storms during the hot weather season?
'Loo'
What is a common feature associated with 'Bardoli Chheerha' in Assam?
'Nor Westers'
'Nor Westers' are associated with violent winds, torrential rains, and hailstorms. What does 'Kalbaisakhi' refer to?
'Nor Westers' in Kerala
'Loo' winds are most intense between Delhi and Patna. What do these winds bring along with them on occasions that provide relief from the heat?
Dust storms followed by light rains and cool breeze
What is the significance of the term 'El-Nino' in relation to its timing and origin?
It signifies the onset of summer in the Southern Hemisphere around Christmas.
In 1990-91, how did the El-Nino event impact the southwest monsoon in India?
It caused a significant delay in the onset of the southwest monsoon ranging from five to twelve days.
How do meteorologists determine the intensity of the southwest monsoon winds during the Southern Oscillation?
By measuring the difference in pressure between Tahiti and port Darwin.
What contributes to the excessive cold in northern India during the cold weather season according to the text?
Continental climate due to being far from sea influence.
What role does the ITCZ play in determining rainfall patterns over India?
ITCZ position influences monsoon trough leading to variations in rainfall intensity and track of depressions.
What characterizes the onset of monsoon winds over India according to Figure 4.4 in the text?
Gradual shift of winds attracting southeast trades northwards.
Why do dry spells occur over the west coast of India during the rainy season?
Winds blowing parallel to the coast leading to a lack of rain-bearing storms.
How can break in the monsoon be defined during the southwest monsoon period?
'Breaks' are prolonged periods without rain after initial monsoon showers.
What is the main reason for the lack of a well-defined cold weather season in the Peninsular region of India?
The moderating influence of the sea and proximity to the equator
What is the role of shallow cyclonic depressions in disturbing the pleasant weather conditions in India during winters?
They disrupt the light winds and humidity levels
Which factor contributes to the occasional winter rainfall in central parts of India and northern parts of the southern Peninsula?
Anti-cyclonic circulation
What is the primary reason behind the decrease in rainfall amount from west to east in the plains and from north to south in the mountains during the winter season in India?
Anti-cyclonic circulations over land
Why do temperatures start rising in north India with the apparent northward movement of the sun towards the Tropic of Cancer in March?
Northward movement of the sun
What contributes to the scarcity of winter rainfall in most parts of India, especially during winter monsoons?
Lack of humidity
What causes torrential rainfall over specific regions during October and November in India?
Moisture pickup over Caspian Sea
What causes rainfall in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and western Uttar Pradesh during winter?
Mediterranean temperate cyclones
What is responsible for causing rainfall over Arunachal Pradesh and Assam during winter months?
Caspian Sea moisture
What impact do weak temperate cyclones have on Bihar's rainfall during winter?
Moderate beneficial rains for crops
Test your knowledge on the differences in climate between north and south India. Learn about the temperature variations due to geographical factors like proximity to oceans and altitude.
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