6 Most FAQ’s of Climate of India Chapter in Class 10th Social (TS/AP)

8 Marks

LAQ-1 : Observe the following graph and analyse it.

Introduction

A climograph is a graphical representation of the average temperature and rainfall in a specific region over a period of time. In this analysis, we are interpreting a climograph depicting the climatic patterns of Chennai.

Analysis of the Climograph

Temperature Trends

1. Variability: Chennai’s temperature experiences fluctuations throughout the year.
2. Maximum Temperature: The highest temperature in Chennai can go up to 38°C, and the lowest of the maximum temperatures observed is 28°C.
3. Minimum Temperature: The temperature rarely dips below 20°C in Chennai, with the highest of the minimum temperatures being 28°C.

Rainfall Patterns

1. Monsoon Influence: Chennai, being on the east coast of India, receives its major rainfall during the northeast monsoon season.
2. Peak Rainfall: The heaviest rainfall occurs in October (280.0 mm) and November (350.0 mm), typically attributed to the northeast monsoon.
3. Low Rainfall Period: The driest months in Chennai are February, March, and April, with the city receiving minimal rainfall, averaging around 10-15 mm.

Summary

The climograph of Chennai reveals its unique climatic patterns. The city witnesses a significant variation in temperature throughout the year. However, the major climatic event is the heavy rainfall received during the months of October and November due to the northeast monsoon, while the early parts of the year remain relatively dry. This data is crucial for planning and resource management in the region, especially concerning water management, agriculture, and infrastructure development.

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LAQ-2 : Observe the following Climograph and answer the following questions.

1.Which month received the highest rainfall?

2.Which months experience the highest and the lowest temperature?

3.Why does the maximum amount of rainfall happen between June and October?

4.Why is the temperature high between March and May?

5.Identify relief conditions causing variation in temperature and rainfall.

Introduction

A climograph is a visual representation that displays both temperature and rainfall trends in a region over time. By analyzing it, we can gain insights into the climatic conditions of that particular area. In this context, we are interpreting a climograph for the city of Hyderabad, India.

Analysis of the Climograph

Rainfall Trends

1. Peak Rainfall Month: August is the month which records the highest amount of rainfall.
2. Monsoon Influence: The city experiences the majority of its rainfall between June and October. This is mainly because of the South West monsoons.

Temperature Trends

1. Maximum Temperature: May witnesses the hottest conditions with the highest temperatures of the year.
2. Minimum Temperature: Conversely, December is the coolest month with the lowest temperatures recorded.

Reasons for Climatic Patterns

1. Monsoons: The South West monsoons are responsible for the maximum rainfall observed between June and October.
2. Geographical Location: Hyderabad is located in the tropical region. Its position on the windward side makes it susceptible to high temperatures from March to May and significant rainfall from June to October.
3. Pressure and Temperature Dynamics: The region undergoes high temperature and low atmospheric pressure conditions. This setting, in turn, leads to cyclonic depressions, resulting in intense rainfall.

Relief Conditions Influencing Climatic Variations

1. Tropical Location: Due to Hyderabad’s tropical positioning, the city witnesses high temperatures between March and May.
2. Windward Side Influence: Being on the windward side means that the city directly faces the moisture-laden winds, causing it to receive high rainfall during the monsoon season.
3. Cyclonic Depressions: The high temperature and low pressure conditions in the region lead to cyclonic depressions which further result in substantial rainfall.

Summary

The climograph of Hyderabad provides a snapshot of its distinct climatic trends influenced by both its geographical location and relief features. The South West monsoons bring the majority of the rainfall between June and October. The city’s tropical location combined with its positioning on the windward side exposes it to high temperatures during the summer months and significant rainfall during the monsoon season. Relief conditions, including the city’s position relative to moisture-laden winds and its pressure dynamics, are crucial in dictating these climatic variations.

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LAQ-3 : Observe the given map and answer the questions.

1.In Which state the south-west monsoons enter as earlier?

2.When does the south-west monsoons reach delhi?

3.On which date did they reach Gujarath, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh?

4.Where does the south-west monsoons spread on the 5th of June?

5.Explain upper atmospheric circulation.

Introduction

Monsoons are significant weather phenomena that largely dictate the climatic patterns in India. They are primarily driven by complex interactions between land, sea, and atmospheric dynamics. The given map showcases the progression of south-west monsoons across India.

Analysis of the Monsoon Map

1. Kerala: Being a coastal state located at the southernmost part of India, is the first to welcome the south-west monsoons. This happens primarily because of its geographical location that is directly in the path of moisture-laden winds coming from the southwest direction over the Indian Ocean.
2. Delhi: Located in the northern part of the country, experiences the monsoons later, typically by the 1st of July.
3. Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh: These states, located in the western and central parts of India, witness the onset of monsoons around June 15.
4. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana: By 5th June, the south-west monsoons progress and cover parts of these states.

Upper Atmospheric Circulation

1. Significance: The upper atmospheric circulation plays a crucial role in determining climatic patterns and weather phenomena. It is defined by the movement of air at higher altitudes in the atmosphere.
2. Jet Streams: At higher altitudes, jet streams are significant components of the upper atmospheric circulation. These are fast-flowing, narrow, and meandering air currents in the atmosphere.
3. India and Jet Streams: India, being located in the region of the north-east trade winds, experiences the influence of these jet streams. In summers, they blow with a speed of 110 km/hr, and in winters, their speed can go up to 184 Km/hr.
4. Effects: Jet streams have a cooling effect on the surrounding atmosphere. Their interaction with the land and other atmospheric components can induce precipitation, making them one of the key factors for rains in certain regions.

Summary

The south-west monsoons dictate India’s climatic patterns during the mid-year months. Starting from Kerala, they move northwards, covering the entire country by early July. The upper atmospheric circulation, primarily influenced by jet streams, also plays a pivotal role in the climatic phenomena experienced across the country.

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LAQ-4 : Describe Indian’s climate controls. (OR) What are the influencing factors of weather and climate? Explain. (OR) Name the factors influencing climate. Explain any two of them.

Introduction

India’s vast geographical expanse and varied topography give it a diverse climate, influenced by multiple factors. These factors, also known as climatic controls, determine the weather and climatic conditions prevailing over the Indian subcontinent.

Analysis of Climatic Controls

Latitude

1. Concept: The Earth is divided into different latitudinal zones, with the Equator being the central line. The amount of solar radiation a place receives is influenced by its distance from the Equator.
2. Impact on India:
   • India, which lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, witnesses varying intensities of heat due to its latitudinal extent.
   • Areas closer to the Equator experience higher temperatures (low latitudes), while regions closer to the poles have colder climates (high latitudes).
   • As we move from the Equator towards the poles, the temperature typically decreases.

Land-Water Relationship

1. Concept: Water bodies have a moderating effect on climate. Water heats up and cools down slower than land.
2. Impact on India:
   • India’s extensive coastline results in several coastal regions experiencing the moderating effect of the sea, leading to milder temperatures.
   • Differential heating and cooling between land and sea give rise to land and sea breezes.
   • Coastal areas tend to have a maritime climate with lesser temperature extremes.

Altitude

1. Concept: Higher altitudes result in less dense air and lower temperatures.
2. Impact on India:
   • The Himalayan region, with its high-altitude areas, has cooler temperatures, even during summers.
   • Hill stations in peninsular India, like Ooty and Kodaikanal, offer respite from hot conditions due to their elevation.

Upper Atmospheric Circulation

1. Concept: The movement of air at higher layers of the atmosphere significantly influences weather patterns.
2. Impact on India:
   • India is situated in the domain of the north-east trade winds.
   • Jet streams, fast-flowing air currents at high altitudes, impact the Indian climate, especially in terms of the onset and retreat of monsoons and precipitation.

Summary

India’s climate is a complex interplay of various factors like latitude, land-water relationship, altitude, and upper atmospheric circulation. Each of these factors has a distinctive role in shaping the climatic patterns seen across the country.

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LAQ-5 : “The Indian agriculture depends completely on the monsoon.” Describe the cycle of the monsoon patterns.

Introduction

India, with its vast expanse, diverse geography, and rich agrarian economy, heavily relies on the monsoon for its agricultural productivity. The monsoons, characterized by a wind system that reverses its direction periodically, play a vital role in determining India’s rainfall patterns.

Monsoon Patterns

1. Origin of Monsoons:
   • Historically, sailors recognized a wind system during their maritime travels, witnessing a regular and periodic reversal of winds. This phenomenon was named “Monsoon.”
   • The word “monsoon” is derived from the Arabic word “mausim” which means season.
2. Regions of Influence: Monsoons predominantly influence the region between 20°N and 20°S latitudes. This vast stretch includes the Indian subcontinent, making the region heavily reliant on these winds for rainfall.
3. Onset of the Monsoons:
   • With the onset of summer, a significant low-pressure area develops over the Indian subcontinent. The southeast monsoon winds from the Southern Hemisphere, laden with moisture from the Indian Ocean, move towards this equatorial low-pressure region.
   • Upon crossing the equator, due to the Coriolis effect, these winds turn towards the right in the Northern Hemisphere and approach the Indian subcontinent as southwest monsoons.
4. Splitting of the Monsoon Winds:
   • When these moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds hit the Indian mainland, the topographical feature of the Peninsular plateau divides them into two main branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.
   • Bay of Bengal Branch: This branch moves northwards and gets deflected towards the west after encountering the eastern Himalayas and the Shillong plateau. This causes heavy rainfall in the northeastern states and the northern plains, especially in the Gangetic valley.
   • Arabian Sea Branch: This branch moves towards the Western Ghats, leading to heavy rainfall on the western coast of India.
5. Retreat of the Monsoons: By October, with the sun’s apparent southward movement, the low-pressure system over the subcontinent weakens. This causes the monsoon winds to gradually retreat and reverse direction. The clear skies and rising temperatures mark this phase.
6. Post-Monsoon Cyclonic Rainfall: In November, due to the shifting low-pressure conditions, the center of activity moves over the Bay of Bengal. This leads to the formation of cyclones, affecting the eastern coast, especially Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Summary

The monsoons are a cyclic and intricate system of winds that determine the agricultural fate of India. While they bring the much-needed rainfall, ensuring the fertility of lands and prosperity of crops, they can also sometimes lead to floods or droughts, reflecting the capricious nature of the monsoons. Thus, understanding the monsoon patterns is of utmost importance for India’s agricultural and economic stability.

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LAQ-6 : Explain the monsoon system in India in detail. (OR) Classify the monsoon winds in India and explain them.

Introduction

The term ‘monsoon’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘mausim’, which means season. Monsoons are essentially a seasonal wind system that reverses direction. India’s climate and agriculture are heavily influenced by the monsoon winds. The monsoons in India can be primarily divided into two phases: Advancing (or Southwest) Monsoon and Retreating (or Northeast) Monsoon.

Advancing Monsoon (Southwest Monsoon):

1. Origination: With the sun’s northward movement during summer, the Asian landmass, especially the Indian subcontinent, heats up. This creates a low-pressure region over Northern India, attracting the high-pressure moist air from the Indian Ocean.
2. Entry and Onset:
   • The south-east monsoon winds from the Southern Hemisphere are attracted to this low-pressure zone. They collect moisture from the Indian Ocean, cross the equator, and enter the Indian subcontinent as southwest monsoon winds.
   • These winds make their first appearance in India on the Kerala coast, typically by the 1st of June. Over the subsequent weeks, they advance northwards covering the entire country.
3. Branches: The Southwest Monsoon splits into two branches due to the topographical features of the Indian subcontinent: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.
4. Bay of Bengal Branch: This branch moves northwards, bringing heavy rainfall to the northeastern states and then turns westwards to provide rainfall to the northern plains, especially the Gangetic valley.
5. Arabian Sea Branch: This branch moves northwards along the western coast, leading to heavy rainfall on the western coast of India, especially the Western Ghats.
6. Significance: The majority of India’s annual rainfall is credited to the southwest monsoon winds, making this phase crucial for agriculture and water reservoirs.

Retreating Monsoon (Northeast Monsoon):

1. Transition: By early October, the sun starts moving southward, leading to the cooling of the Asian landmass. As a result, the low-pressure zone over Northern India begins to diminish.
2. Retreat: The monsoon winds start retreating from the northwestern parts of India by the beginning of October, marking the commencement of the retreating monsoon. By December, they exit the entire country.
3. October Heat: During this period, the clear skies and sinking air result in a rise in temperature, leading to what’s known as the “October heat.”
4. Rainfall: As these winds move back over the Bay of Bengal, they pick up moisture and result in cyclonic rain over the eastern coast. This gives the Coromandel coast (eastern coast of India) its significant rainfall during this period, while the rest of the country experiences dry conditions.
5. Significance: This phase is significant for the cultivation of certain crops that require a lower amount of water, and it also prepares the land for the Rabi crop sown in winter.

Summary

The monsoon system of India is intricate and holds immense significance due to its direct impact on agriculture, water reservoirs, and the overall economy of the country. Its predictability and performance are closely watched by farmers, policymakers, and economists alike.