Climate of India Overview
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Questions and Answers

Evaluate the impact of floods as a disaster in India using a case study.

Floods in India, such as the 2017 Gujarat floods, caused widespread damage to infrastructure, displacing thousands and leading to significant economic losses.

What are the main controls affecting the climate of India?

The main controls include latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, and the Indian monsoon system.

Why is the arrival of monsoons significant for the Indian subcontinent?

Monsoons are crucial as they provide essential rainfall for agriculture, influencing the agrarian cycle and daily life.

Discuss why the highest diurnal range of temperature occurs in certain parts of India.

<p>The highest diurnal range occurs in the northwestern desert regions due to clear skies, low humidity, and lack of vegetation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the term 'break' in monsoon and its significance.

<p>'Break' in monsoon refers to the temporary cessation of rainfall during the monsoon season, impacting agricultural planning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What marks the beginning of October in terms of monsoon patterns in Northern Plains?

<p>The monsoon withdraws from the Northern Plains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristics define the months of October-November in India?

<p>They form a transition from hot rainy season to dry winter conditions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the climate impact of the retreating monsoon in terms of rainfall distribution?

<p>Areas of high rainfall may experience floods, while low rainfall areas are prone to drought.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'October heat' and what causes it?

<p>'October heat' refers to oppressive weather conditions due to high temperature and humidity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Himalayas affect the climate of northern India?

<p>The Himalayas protect northern India from extremely cold winds from central Asia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Mawsynram significant in the context of rainfall?

<p>Mawsynram is known as the wettest place on Earth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Peninsular plateau's position affect its climate?

<p>The Peninsular plateau experiences moderate temperatures due to the influence of the sea from three sides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the high variability in annual rainfall across India?

<p>The nature of the monsoon and geographical differences contribute to rainfall variability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are stalagmites and stalactites, and how are they related to Mawsynram?

<p>Stalagmites and stalactites are mineral formations found in caves, often observed in Mawsynram.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how temperature changes in northern India by the second half of October.

<p>By the second half of October, temperatures begin to fall rapidly in northern India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What climatic type is primarily found in India and where is it mainly located in Asia?

<p>The climatic type is described as the ‘monsoon’ type, mainly found in the south and southeast of Asia.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long is the general climate condition studied to define the climate of a region?

<p>The climate of a region is studied over a long period of time, typically more than thirty years.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two important elements of climate discussed, and how do they vary?

<p>The two important elements are temperature and precipitation, which vary from place to place and season to season.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature range in the desert regions of Rajasthan during summer?

<p>In summer, temperatures in Rajasthan's desert can reach up to 50°C.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What temperature can Drass, Jammu and Kashmir reach during winter nights?

<p>During winter nights, the temperature at Drass can drop as low as minus 45°C.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the temperature variation differ between day and night in the Thar Desert?

<p>The Thar Desert can have a day temperature of 50°C that drops to around 15°C at night.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical temperature in Thiruvananthapuram during winter?

<p>In winter, Thiruvananthapuram may have a temperature of around 22°C.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the major effects of cyclonic depressions on monsoon rainfall in India?

<p>Cyclonic depressions can cause heavy and widespread rain, but may also lead to droughts in other regions, disrupting farming schedules.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do cyclonic depressions typically originate and what is their path?

<p>They originate over the Andaman Sea and usually cross over to the mainland along the eastern coasts of India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the variability of the Indian monsoon's arrival and retreat.

<p>The monsoon's arrival and retreat are often irregular, causing unpredictable wet and dry spells.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impacts do cyclones have on the deltas of Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri?

<p>Cyclones frequently strike these deltas, resulting in significant damage to life and property.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the rainfall pattern in the western coast and northeastern India during the transition season?

<p>These regions receive over 400 cm of rainfall annually during the transition season of October-November.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the rainfall low in western Rajasthan and adjoining areas?

<p>These regions receive less than 60 cm of rainfall due to their position and the weakening of the south-west monsoon winds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the intensity and regularity of monsoon rains affect agriculture in India?

<p>The alternating dry and wet spells can disrupt the farming schedules and affect crop yields.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What geographical feature is associated with the lower precipitation around Leh, Jammu and Kashmir?

<p>Leh is surrounded by mountains, which contribute to its dry climate with low rainfall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the role of the south-west monsoon winds in rainfall distribution.

<p>These winds are responsible for bringing moisture-laden air that contributes to rainfall in many parts of India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequences do floods and droughts have on Indian agriculture during monsoon season?

<p>Floods can destroy crops while droughts can lead to crop failure, both adversely affecting food security.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor causes widespread rainfall over the mainland of India during the monsoon season?

<p>The warm oceans blow over, gather moisture, and bring rainfall.</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which season do cyclonic disturbances primarily affect the weather in northern India?

<p>In the cold weather season.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What local term is used for the winter rainfall caused by cyclonic disturbances?

<p>'Mahawat'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the rainfall pattern in coastal areas of India compare to the interior regions?

<p>Coastal areas experience little variation in rainfall pattern, unlike the interior regions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the general temperature variation in the peninsular region during winters?

<p>There is hardly any noticeable seasonal change in temperature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the weather conditions in India from March to May.

<p>It is the hot weather season characterized by increased temperatures due to the sun's northward movement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What atmospheric condition attracts trade winds during the advancing monsoon?

<p>The intensification of low-pressure conditions over the northern plains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do the trade winds play in the advancing monsoon season?

<p>They bring moisture-laden air from the southern hemisphere to India.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many main seasons are identified in India, and what are they?

<p>Four main seasons: cold weather, hot weather, advancing monsoon, and post-monsoon.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Climate

The overall weather patterns over a long period (30+ years) in a region.

Weather

The current state of the atmosphere at a specific location and time.

Diurnal temperature range

The difference in temperature between the hottest and coolest times of day.

Humidity

The amount of water vapor in the air.

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Precipitation

Water falling from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface.

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Monsoon climate

A type of climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons.

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Rajasthan desert

The region in India known for extremely high temperatures, particularly during the summer.

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Hot Weather Season

The season that occurs in India from March to May, marked by a northward shift of the global heat belt, bringing hot weather.

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Advancing Monsoon

The season that occurs in India from early June to mid-September, characterized by the inflow of moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, resulting in widespread rainfall.

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Cold Weather Season

The season that occurs in India from October to November, characterized by low-pressure systems originating over the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia, bringing much-needed rainfall.

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Cyclonic Disturbances

The low-pressure systems that form over the Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia, bringing winter rainfall to the northern plains of India.

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Winter Rainfall

The winter rainfall in India, also known as 'mahawat', which is crucial for the growth of crops.

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Rabi Crops

The crops grown during the winter season in India, reliant on the winter rainfall.

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Peninsular Region

The southern region of India, which doesn't experience a well-defined cold season due to the moderating influence of the sea.

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Coastal Areas

The coastal areas of India that experience relatively less variation in temperature but have differing rainfall patterns throughout the year.

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Retreating/Post Monsoons

A period of transition marking the end of the monsoon season.

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Shift in Atmospheric Pressure

The shift in atmospheric pressure that occurs as the sun moves south, weakening the monsoon winds and leading to a high-pressure system.

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Weakening of Low-Pressure Trough

The low-pressure trough over the northern plains weakens during the post-monsoon season, bringing about a change in wind patterns.

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South-West Monsoon Winds

The prevailing winds during the monsoon season, which bring moisture from the Indian Ocean.

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Withdrawing Monsoon Winds

The process of the monsoon winds gradually losing strength and withdrawing from the land.

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High Rainfall Regions

Areas on the western coast and northeastern India receiving high rainfall, exceeding 400 cm annually.

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Low Rainfall Regions

Regions in western Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab with rainfall less than 60 cm annually.

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Deccan Plateau and Eastern Sahyadris

The interior Deccan Plateau and the eastern Sahyadris, experiencing relatively low precipitation.

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Leh, Jammu & Kashmir

An area around Leh in Jammu and Kashmir receiving low rainfall.

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Distribution of Rainfall

The distribution of rainfall across India varies significantly, influenced by factors like geographic location and the retreating monsoon.

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Transition period

The period between October and November in India, marked by a transition from the hot, rainy monsoon season to a dry winter.

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Monsoon Retreat

The withdrawal of the monsoon winds from the Northern Plains of India, usually starting in October.

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October Heat

A period of time when daytime temperatures are high but nights are cool and comfortable, typically in the second half of October in India.

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Rainfall Variability

The extreme variation in annual rainfall from year to year, especially in parts of India with low rainfall.

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Drought and Flood Risk

Areas of low rainfall are often prone to droughts, while areas of high rainfall are vulnerable to floods because of fluctuating rainfall patterns.

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Himalayan Influence on Climate

The Himalayas act as a natural barrier, protecting the subcontinent from cold central Asian winds, resulting in warmer northern India compared to other regions at similar latitudes.

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Peninsular Plateau Climate

The Peninsular plateau in India benefits from the moderating influence of the sea, resulting in moderate temperatures.

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Monsoon as a Unifying Bond

The presence of a unifying factor, like the monsoon, connecting people across a region.

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What is the Indian monsoon?

The dramatic shift in wind systems that brings heavy rainfall to India for several months each year; a critical factor in the Indian economy and environment.

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What is a 'break' in the monsoon?

The time period when the monsoon winds lose strength or change direction, leading to a temporary decrease in rainfall and sometimes even drought conditions.

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What winds bring rainfall along the Malabar Coast?

Monsoon winds bring rainfall to the western coast of India due to their direction and moisture content.

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Why is the monsoon considered a unifying bond in India?

Monsoon winds bring a unifying effect on India by providing water for agriculture, influencing seasonal cycles, and uniting different regions in their dependence on rainfall.

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Why does rainfall decrease from east to west in northern India?

Rainfall decreases from east to west in northern India due to distance from the moisture source, the Bay of Bengal, and the presence of the Himalayas, which block rain-bearing clouds.

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Study Notes

Climate of India

  • India's climate is described as monsoon type, prevalent in South and Southeast Asia.
  • Regional variations exist within the general pattern.
  • Key elements considered are temperature and precipitation.

Temperature Variations

  • Summer temperatures can reach 50°C in Rajasthan deserts to 20°C in Pahalgam.
  • Winter night temperatures in Drass can drop to -45°C.
  • Thiruvananthapuram maintains a temperature of 22°C.
  • Day and night temperature differences are significant in regions like the Thar Desert, while less so in Andaman and Nicobar Islands or Kerala.

Precipitation Variations

  • Precipitation forms in the form of snowfall in the Himalayas, rain elsewhere.
  • Meghalaya receives over 400 cm of rainfall annually.
  • Ladakh and western Rajasthan receive less than 10 cm.
  • Rainfall is primarily from June to September.
  • Regions like Tamil Nadu sometimes receive rainfall outside this period.

Climatic Controls

  • Six major controls of climate include latitude, altitude, pressure and wind systems, distance from the sea (continentality), ocean currents and relief features
  • Latitude affects solar energy receipt, influencing temperature gradients.
  • Altitude affects temperature, resulting in cooler temperatures at higher elevations.
  • Pressure and wind systems influence temperature and rainfall patterns.
  • Distance from the sea (continentality) impacts temperature extremes.
  • Ocean currents moderate coastal climates.
  • Relief features influence rainfall patterns.

Seasons

  • India experiences four main seasons: cold weather, hot weather, advancing monsoon, and retreating monsoon.
  • Cold weather season (November to February): characterized by cooler temperatures decreasing from south to north.
  • Hot weather season (March to May): characterized by rising temperatures.
  • Advancing monsoon (June to September): characterized by high rainfall intensity.
  • Retreating/post monsoon (October to November): characterized by transition from the hot, rainy season to the dry winter season.
  • Coastal areas have less contrast in temperature, while interior areas exhibit greater contrasts.

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Description

Explore the diverse climate of India, characterized by its monsoon type climate and significant regional variations. This quiz covers temperature extremes, precipitation patterns, and the climatic controls influencing weather across different states and regions of India.

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