Here are the answers to the very short answer type questions from the textbook page:
1. Define the term weather.
Weather is the day-to-day state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place. It includes factors like temperature, humidity, rainfall, and wind.
2. What do you understand by climate?
Climate is the average weather condition of a specific region observed over a long period, typically 30 years or more.
3. Name the main branches of monsoon winds.
The two main branches of the Southwest Monsoon winds are:
- Arabian Sea Branch
- Bay of Bengal Branch
4. Name the major seasons of India.
India experiences four major seasons:
- Cold Weather Season (Winter): December to February
- Hot Weather Season (Summer): March to May
- Southwest Monsoon Season (Rainy): June to September
- Season of Retreating Monsoon (Autumn): October and November
5. Which part of India does receive maximum rainfall by the retreating monsoon?
The Tamil Nadu coast (Coromandel Coast) receives the maximum rainfall from the retreating monsoon.
6. Distinguish between weather and climate.
- Weather: Describes short-term atmospheric conditions (changes hour-to-hour or day-to-day) over a small area.
- Climate: Describes long-term patterns of weather (remains stable for decades) over a large region.
Here are the answers to the short answer type questions from section C of the worksheet:
1. What do you know about the summer season?
The summer season in India generally lasts from March to May, characterized by hot and dry weather. Temperatures rise significantly across the country, often leading to a strong, dusty, and hot wind called Loo blowing in the northern plains during May.
2. Which parts of India do remain dry throughout the year?
The Thar Desert in Rajasthan (western India) and the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh remain mostly dry throughout the year due to extremely low annual rainfall.
3. How do the monsoon winds affect our climate?
Monsoon winds bring heavy seasonal rainfall that drastically lowers temperatures after the intense summer heat. They dictate the agricultural cycle of India, as a successful harvest depends heavily on the timely arrival and distribution of these rain-bearing winds.
4. Describe the factors affecting the climate of India.
The climate of India is influenced by several key geographical factors:
- Latitude: The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country, dividing it into tropical and subtropical zones.
- The Himalayas: This giant mountain range blocks freezing Central Asian winds from entering India and traps the monsoon winds inside the subcontinent.
- Altitude: Higher regions like hill stations experience much cooler temperatures than plains at the same latitude.
- Distance from the sea: Coastal areas enjoy a moderate maritime climate, while the interiors experience extreme temperatures.
5. Differentiate between the following:
(a) Rainy and Autumn seasons
Feature
Rainy Season
Autumn Season
Duration
Generally lasts from June to September.
Generally lasts from October to November.
Wind Movement
Moisture-laden South-West Monsoon winds blow from the sea toward the land.
Winds retreat from the mainland back toward the Bay of Bengal (Retreating Monsoon).
Weather
Characterized by humid weather and frequent, heavy rainfall.
Characterized by clear skies, a drop in humidity, and pleasant temperatures transitioning into winter.
(b) Hot (Summer) season and cold (winter) season
Feature
Hot (Summer) Season
Cold (Winter) Season
Duration
Lasts from March to May.
Lasts from December to February.
Temperature
Temperatures are high, often exceeding 40°C in the northern plains.
Temperatures are low, dropping significantly in northern and Himalayan regions.
Winds & Rain
Hot, dry winds called "Loo" blow in the north; rainfall is rare except for occasional thunderstorms.
Clear skies prevail; the northwest experiences light rain from Western Disturbances.