Climate - Class 9 Social Science - Chapter 4 - Notes, NCERT Solutions & Extra Questions
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Notes - Climate | Class 9 Contemporary India - I | Social Science
Comprehensive Climate Class 9 Notes: All You Need to Know
Understanding the climate is crucial for comprehending the natural world around us. Here's a comprehensive guide to climate, tailored for Class 9 students.
Introduction to Climate and Weather
Definition of Climate:Climate refers to the average weather conditions of a place over a long period, typically more than thirty years. It encompasses various elements like temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation.
Difference Between Climate and Weather:While weather is the atmospheric condition at a specific time and place, climate is the aggregation of weather over extended periods.
Elements of Weather and Climate:
Temperature
Atmospheric Pressure
Wind
Humidity
Precipitation
Understanding Seasons and Atmospheric Conditions
Seasonal Variations:Seasons are periods in a year marked by distinct weather conditions. They result from the earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun, leading to varying amounts of sunlight reaching different regions.
Generalized Monthly Atmospheric Conditions:
Winter: Cool days and cold nights.
Summer: Hot and uncomfortable days.
Rainy Season: Heavy rainfall periods.
Monsoon Climate of India
Explanation of Monsoon Climate:The term 'monsoon' is derived from the Arabic word 'mausim,' meaning season. It signifies the seasonal reversal in wind direction.
Seasonal Reversal of Wind Direction:Monsoon winds blow from land to sea during winter (northeast monsoon) and from sea to land during summer (southwest monsoon), bringing significant rainfall.
Regional Variations in Climate
Temperature Variations:
Extremely hot in Rajasthan during summers (up to 50°C).
Cold winters in Jammu and Kashmir (as low as -45°C).
Coastal regions like Thiruvananthapuram have moderate temperatures.
Precipitation Variations:
Types and Forms: Rainfall in most parts, snowfall in the Himalayas.
Highly variable distribution: Meghalaya (>400 cm) vs. Western Rajasthan (<10 cm).
Climatic Controls
Six major factors control the climate at any place:
Latitude:
Solar energy varies with latitude, causing temperature differences.
Altitude:
Higher altitudes are cooler due to reduced air density.
Pressure and Wind Systems:
Winds carrying different pressures affect temperature and rainfall.
Distance from the Sea (Continentality):
The moderating influence of the sea leads to less extreme weather.
Ocean Currents:
Coastal climates are affected by warm or cold currents.
Relief Features:
Mountains block or channel winds and can cause precipitation.
Four Main Seasons in India
The Cold Weather Season (Winter):
Duration: Mid-November to February.
Conditions: Clear skies, lower temperatures, occasional cyclonic disturbances.
The Hot Weather Season (Summer):
Duration: March to May.
Conditions: High temperatures, 'loo' winds in North India, dust storms, and thunderstorms.
Advancing Monsoon (The Rainy Season):
Start: Early June.
Conditions: Intense rain, especially on the windward side of mountains.
Retreating/Post Monsoons (The Transition Season):
Duration: October to November.
Conditions: Clear skies, 'October heat', cyclonic depressions affecting the eastern coast.
Distribution of Rainfall in India
Regions with Highest and Lowest Rainfall:
Highest: Parts of Western Coast and Northeastern India.
Lowest: Western Rajasthan, interior Deccan plateau, and Leh.
Variability in Annual Rainfall:
Rivers and agricultural patterns are heavily dependent on monsoon rains, leading to different rainfall patterns affecting agriculture and lifestyle.
Conclusion
The monsoon acts as a significant unifying factor for the Indian subcontinent, impacting agriculture, lifestyle, and festivities. Understanding climate helps students appreciate the natural systems that sustain life.
The Indian climate's dynamic nature, characterized by varied temperatures, precipitation, and seasons, offers an insightful study for Class 9 students, preparing them for more advanced geographical and environmental studies.
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Extra Questions - Climate | Contemporary India - I | Social Science | Class 9
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Which one of the following places receives the highest rainfall in the world?
(a) Silchar
(c) Cherrapunji
(b) Mawsynram
(d) Guwahati
Mawsynram receives the highest average rainfall in the world, making option (b) Mawsynram the correct answer.
The wind blowing in the northern plains in summers is known as:
(a) Kaal Baisakhi
(c) Trade Winds
(b) Loo
(d) None of the above
The wind blowing in the northern plains in summers is known as:
Loo
Hence, the correct answer is: (b) Loo
Monsoon arrives in India approximately in:
(a) Early May
(c) Early June
(b) Early July
(d) Early August
(c) Early June
Which one of the following characterises the cold weather season in India?
(a) Warm days and warm nights
(b) Warm days and cold nights
(c) Cool days and cold nights
(d) Cold days and warm nights
The cold weather season in India is characterised by warm days and cold nights. Therefore, the correct answer is:
(b) Warm days and cold nights
What are the controls affecting the climate of India?
The climate of India is influenced by six major controls:
Latitude: Geographic location influences temperature; places near the equator experience hotter climates compared to those near the poles.
Altitude: Higher altitudes typically have cooler temperatures. The presence of mountains like the Himalayas has a significant impact on climate.
Pressure and Wind System: India’s climate is significantly affected by seasonal wind patterns, especially the monsoons. The direction and strength of these winds influence both temperature and rainfall.
Distance from the Sea (Continentality): Proximity to the sea moderates temperature variations and affects the humidity of a region.
Ocean Currents: Currents can warm or cool the coastal regions depending on whether they are warm or cold currents respectively.
Relief Features: Mountains can block the passage of weather systems and winds, influencing the regional weather conditions.
These factors work in tandem to shape the diverse climatic conditions seen across India.
Why does India have a monsoon type of climate?
India has a monsoon type of climate primarily due to its unique geographical features and atmospheric conditions which enable the seasonal reversal of wind direction. Here are the crucial factors contributing to this:
Geographical Location: India is located in southern Asia, bordering the Indian Ocean, which provides a large source of moisture necessary for monsoon rains.
Himalayan Mountains: These mountains in the north act as a barrier preventing the cold winds from central Asia from entering the subcontinent and also cause the monsoonal winds to shed their moisture within the subcontinent.
Tropical Location: The presence of the Tropic of Cancer through the center allows the sun to move directly over large parts of India during its northward and southward journey, influencing significant shifts in wind patterns over the year.
Pressure and Wind Systems: During summer, a low-pressure area develops over the Indian subcontinent due to intense solar heating, attracting the moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean towards the land, which are the southwest monsoon winds. Conversely, in winter, the high-pressure conditions to the north and the northeast trade winds from the mainland to the sea contribute to dry conditions.
These factors together lead to marked seasonal variations, highlighted by significant changes in the direction and moisture content of winds, forming the monsoonal pattern characterizing India's climate.
Which part of India does experience the highest diurnal range of temperature and why?
The Thar Desert in India experiences the highest diurnal range of temperature. This significant variation between day and night temperatures occurs due to specific climatic and geographic features of desert areas:
Low Humidity: Deserts have very low humidity, which allows temperatures to rise significantly during the day and drop quickly at night.
Clear Skies: The generally clear skies in desert regions allow for maximum solar heating during the day and rapid loss of heat at night.
Sparse Vegetation: Lack of vegetative cover also facilitates quicker heating and cooling of the ground.
These factors combined lead to a large diurnal temperature range, where temperatures can soar as high as 50°C during the day and drop down to near 15°C at night in the Thar Desert.
Which winds account for rainfall along the Malabar coast?
The Southwest Monsoon winds are responsible for bringing rainfall along the Malabar coast. These winds, loaded with moisture from the ocean, strike the Western Ghats and cause heavy rainfall in the area during the monsoon season.
Define monsoons. What do you understand by “break” in monsoon?
Monsoons are seasonal reversing wind systems accompanied by changes in precipitation. They are characterized by a distinct shift in wind direction, typically reversing between summer and winter. The term is derived from the Arabic word 'mausim,' which means season, referring to the seasonal changes in wind and rainfall patterns, particularly prominent in South and Southeast Asia.
A "break" in monsoon refers to periods when the usual monsoon rains are interrupted by dry spells. These breaks occur when the monsoon trough, or the axis of low pressure that attracts the monsoon winds, shifts position. During these breaks, certain regions experience decreased rainfall, leading to dry weather, even though it is the monsoon season. These breaks can influence agricultural patterns and water availability, making them significant in regions dependent on monsoon rains.
Why is the monsoon considered a unifying bond?
The monsoon is considered a unifying bond in India because it affects the entire country in various beneficial ways. Here are the reasons it acts as a unifying factor:
Agricultural Impact: The arrival of the monsoon rains is eagerly awaited as they water the crops and set the agricultural activities in motion across the country. This seasonal rhythm dictates the agricultural calendar, affecting the livelihood of a majority of the population.
Water Supply: Monsoon rains fill rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, ensuring a water supply for various uses. This is crucial in a country where many regions face water scarcity.
Economic Impact: As agriculture is a significant part of India's economy, the monsoon impacts economic activities on a national scale, fostering economic unity.
Cultural Significance: The monsoon season influences many cultural and religious festivities, which are celebrated across different parts of the country.
Thus, despite regional variations in its impact, the monsoon shapes the lifestyle and economy across India, binding the country together.
Why does the rainfall decrease from the east to the west in Northern India.
In Northern India, the rainfall decreases from east to west primarily due to the orientation and distance of regions from the Bay of Bengal, which is a significant source of moisture for the monsoon rains. The eastern parts of Northern India, being closer to the Bay of Bengal, receive more moisture-laden winds, leading to higher precipitation. As these winds move westward, they lose moisture and thus the intensity of rainfall decreases progressively towards the western areas. This geographic and climatic phenomenon is termed as the rain shadow effect, where the areas farther from the moisture source receive less rainfall. Additionally, the Himalayas play a crucial role by blocking the moisture-carrying winds from reaching the far northern and western parts of India, further accentuating this decrease in rainfall from east to west.
Give reasons as to why.
(i) Seasonal reversal of wind direction takes place over the Indian subcontinent?
(ii) The bulk of rainfall in India is concentrated over a few months.
(iii) The Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall.
(iv) The delta region of the eastern coast is frequently struck by cyclones.
(v) Parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat and the leeward side of the Western Ghats are drought-prone.
(i) Seasonal reversal of wind direction: This is primarily due to the Indian Monsoon, which is a result of differential heating and cooling of the land and ocean. During the summer, a low-pressure area develops over the interior of Asia as well as over northwestern India, attracting winds from the high-pressure area over the southern Indian Ocean. These reverse in direction in the winter due to the high-pressure system north of the Himalayas, causing winds to flow outwards towards the low-pressure areas over the oceans.
(ii) Bulk of rainfall concentrated over a few months: Most of the rainfall in India occurs during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. This is when the Southwest Monsoon winds carry moisture from the Indian Ocean, hitting the subcontinent and causing heavy rainfall. The intense and concentrated nature of the monsoon is why rainfall is mostly limited to these months.
(iii) Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall: This phenomenon is due to the Northeast Monsoon or the retreating monsoon, which picks up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and precipitates it over the Tamil Nadu coast during October to December. Thus, this area receives rainfall in the winter months.
(iv) Delta region of the eastern coast frequently struck by cyclones: The regions like the deltas of the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri are prone to cyclones that originate over the Bay of Bengal, particularly during the transition from the hot rainy season to drier winter conditions. These areas are susceptible due to their geographical positioning facing the Bay of Bengal where these cyclonic storms tend to get directed.
(v) Drought-prone areas of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and leeward side of the Western Ghats: These regions receive low rainfall due to several factors:
Rajasthan and Gujarat: These areas lie under the rain shadow of the Aravalli range and are also further from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, leading to scanty rainfall.
Leeward side of the Western Ghats: Areas like eastern Maharashtra, north interior Karnataka, and parts of Telangana face away from the moisture-laden winds that lose their moisture while crossing the Western Ghats, leading to less rainfall and hence drought conditions.
Describe the regional variations in the climatic conditions of India with the help of suitable examples.
India exhibits significant regional climatic variations. For example, in Rajasthan's Thar Desert, summer temperatures can soar to 50°C, while Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir may only reach 20°C. During winter, Drass can experience temperatures as low as -45°C, contrasting with Thiruvananthapuram’s mild 22°C. Precipitation also varies; Meghalaya receives more than 400 cm annually, while Ladakh and western Rajasthan get less than 10 cm. Coastal areas, like Tamil Nadu, receive rains predominantly in October and November, unlike most regions which get rain from June to September. These variations influence lifestyles, including clothing, housing, and agriculture.
Give an account of weather conditions and characteristics of the cold season.
The cold weather season in India begins from mid-November and lasts until February. December and January are the coldest months, especially in northern India. Temperatures decrease from south to north, with the average in Chennai around 24°-25°C while the northern plains range between 10°-15°C. Days are warm and nights are cold; frost is common in the north, and higher Himalayan slopes experience snowfall. The northeast trade winds prevail, making most of the country dry, except the Tamil Nadu coast where they bring some rainfall. The season is characterized by clear skies, low temperatures, low humidity, and feeble, variable winds.
Give the characteristics and effects of the monsoon rainfall in India.
The monsoon rainfall in India is characterized by a distinct seasonal pattern, occurring primarily from June to September. These rains bring about temperature reductions, yet they are marked by regional variations in both amount and duration. The southwest monsoon winds bring abundant moisture, leading to heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats and the Northeast, whereas regions like Rajasthan receive minimal rain. Breaks in monsoon can lead to floods in some regions and droughts in others. The monsoon has a profound impact on agriculture, influencing the agricultural calendar, crop yields, and even the festivities and lifestyle of the Indian populace.
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The hottest place in Karnataka is:
A) Mangalore
B) Raichur
C) Chitradurga
D) Bangalore
The correct answer is:
B) Raichur
Raichur is known to experience some of the highest temperatures in Karnataka, especially during the summer months. It is located in the northeast part of Karnataka, where the climate tends to be drier and temperatures can be quite high.
Destructive distillation of coal produces:
A. Coal gas
B. Natural gas
C. Biogas
D. Petroleum gas
Correct Answer: A. Coal gas
Destructive Distillation:
This process involves heating coal in the absence of air.
It is essentially a type of pyrolysis.
The key by-products from this method are coal gas, coke, coal tar, and amino acid liquor.
Conclusion: Coal gas is produced as a by-product during the destructive distillation of coal, making Option (A) the correct choice.
What do contours represent?
A) Equal pressure
B) Equal rainfall
C) Equal cloudiness
D) Equal heights
The correct answer is D) Equal heights.
Contours are lines on a map that represent equal heights. The term contour interval refers to the vertical distance between two consecutive contour lines, indicating the difference in elevation between those lines on the map.
Are the sleeping arrangements made in a sleeper coach of a train?
A Berths
B Tracks
C Platforms
The correct answer is A: Berths. Berths are the sleeping facilities provided in a sleeper coach of a train, allowing passengers to rest during long journeys. In a typical sleeper coach, there are three types of berths:
Lower berth
Middle berth
Upper berth
Each type of berth caters to the comfort and convenience of passengers.
Causes global warming, which leads to:
A. Greenhouse effect
B. Climate change
C. Atmospheric gases
D. Deforestation
The correct answers are:
A. Greenhouse effect
B. Climate change
Global warming causes the heating of the Earth due to an increased greenhouse effect, which is a major threat to humankind today. This increase in global temperatures can consequently lead to climate change.
Name four factors that affect climate. [2 MARKS]
Four key factors that influence the climate of a region include:
Distance from the equator - Determines the amount of solar radiation and heat a location receives.
Altitude (Height above sea level) - Higher altitudes generally experience cooler temperatures.
Ocean currents - Can warm or cool the air above them, influencing the climate of nearby land.
Prevailing wind directions - Winds can bring air masses with different temperatures and moisture levels, affecting local weather patterns.
"The climate of India has been broadly described as _______ type.
A. monsoon
B. winter
C. summer
D. temperate"
The correct answer is A. monsoon.
The climate of India is predominantly described as monsoon type. This is because India is situated in the tropical region, where the majority of precipitation is delivered by monsoon winds.
Which of the following is/are India's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution goals? i) To reduce emission intensity of Gross Domestic Product ii) To increase the share of Non-Fossil Fuel Based Electricity iii) Enhancing carbon sink
A) i and ii Only
B) ii and iii Only
C) i and iii Only
D) All of the above
The correct answer is D) All of the above.
Explanation:India's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) encompass a variety of strategic goals aimed at reducing the impact of climate change and enhancing sustainability. These include:
a. Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles: Encouraging low-carbon and sustainable consumer behavior.
b. Cleaner Economic Development: Implementing greener practices in economic growth.
c. Reducing Emission Intensity of GDP: Targeting a reduction in the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35 percent by 2030, from the 2005 levels.
d. Increasing the Share of Non-Fossil Fuel Based Electricity: Expanding renewable energy sources in the electricity mix.
e. Enhancing Carbon Sink (Forests): Planning to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalents through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
f. Adaptation: Addressing the impacts of climate change through various adaptation measures.
g. Mobilizing Finance: Securing necessary funding for climate initiatives.
h. Technology Transfer and Capacity Building: Sharing and developing technology to meet climate goals.
Thus, the goals listed in the question (i, ii, iii) are all part of India's INDCs, making option D the correct choice.
Which of the following determine the possibility of constructing a house?
A) Climatic conditions.
B) Number of members in the family.
C) Availability of resources.
D) The number of hills in the region.
The factors that determine the feasibility of constructing a house include:
A) Climatic conditions: The climate in a region affects the types of building materials used and the structural designs that are suitable.
B) Number of members in the family: The size of the house often depends on how many people will live in it.
C) Availability of resources: Access to necessary building materials and other resources is critical for construction.
D) The number of hills in the region does not directly influence the construction of a house. Instead, factors like the terrain's elevation, local climate, and resource availability are more critical. The family size also contributes to determining the house’s dimensions and structure.
Which type of climate does Punjab have?
A) Monsoon
B) Continental monsoon
C) Dry
D) Cold
The correct answer is B) Continental monsoon.
Punjab experiences a continental monsoonal climate. This means the region predominantly receives rainfall during the months of July to September, influenced by the south-west monsoon winds.
Which of the statements describe how climate affects the lifestyle of people in the northern regions of India?
A. In the northern regions of India, people eat more wheat-based dishes.
B. In the northern regions of India, people eat more rice-based dishes.
C. In the northern regions of India, people wear thicker clothes.
D. In the northern regions of India, people wear loose and light clothes.
The correct statements that describe how climate influences the lifestyle in the northern regions of India are:
A. In the northern regions of India, people eat more wheat-based dishes.
C. In the northern regions of India, people wear thicker clothes.
Climate significantly impacts both the geographical characteristics and the lifestyle of a region's inhabitants. In the northern areas of India, the climate is conducive to wheat cultivation, leading to a predominance of wheat-based dishes such as roti and parathas in the local cuisine. As one travels closer to the Himalayas, the temperatures decrease significantly, necessitating the wearing of thicker clothing to stay warm.
Which of the following statements are true with regard to tropical monsoon climate?
Temperatures range from $32^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ in the hot season to about $15^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ in the cool season.
Annual rainfall varies greatly.
The climate is best developed in the southern continents.
It consists of three main seasons: cool, dry season; hot, dry season; hot, wet season. Choose your answer from the following codes:
A. I and IV
B. II, III, and IV
C. II and III
D. I, II, and IV
The correct option is D. I, II, and IV
Temperature Range: The monsoon climate typically exhibits higher temperatures throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator. While variations exist, temperatures generally range between about $15^\circ C$ to $32^\circ C$ according to statement I.
Annual Rainfall Variation: Monsoon regions experience significant variation in annual rainfall, which is a characteristic feature of this climate. This aligns with statement II.
Location Bias: While monsoon climates are indeed more prevalent in the southern continents, statement III states it exclusively. The monsoon climate is also found along coastal regions in various parts of the world, including parts of South and Southeast Asia and parts of South America and Africa, which are not strictly southern continents.
Season Pattern: Statement IV accurately describes the three main seasons of the monsoon climate: the cool, dry season; the hot, dry season; and the hot, wet season. This distinction is crucial in understanding monsoon climates.
Thus, statements I, II, and IV are correct, confirming option D as the right choice.
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