Important Questions (2 marks): Climate - Class 9 MCQ

Explanation:
The term that refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long period of time (more than thirty years) is Climate. Here is a detailed explanation:
- Atmosphere: The term atmosphere refers to the layer of gases surrounding the Earth. While it plays a crucial role in determining weather patterns, it does not encompass the long-term weather conditions over a large area.
- Annual range of temperature: This term refers to the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures experienced in a year. While it provides information about temperature variations, it does not capture the long-term weather conditions over a large area.
- Climate: Climate refers to the average weather conditions, including temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind patterns, and other elements, over a long period of time (typically more than thirty years) in a specific region or area. It takes into account the variations and patterns observed in weather conditions and provides a comprehensive understanding of the long-term climate characteristics of a particular area.
- Monsoons: Monsoons are seasonal wind systems that are characterized by a change in wind direction and bring significant amounts of rainfall to specific regions during a particular time of the year. While monsoons are an important aspect of weather patterns, they do not encompass the entirety of long-term weather conditions over a large area.
Therefore, the correct term that refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long period of time is Climate.

The elements of weather and climate are the same, i.e. temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity and precipitation

The state of atmosphere over an area at any point of time is known as weather. It is the state of the atmosphere over short periods of time. Climate is the weather averaged over a long period. Precipitation, humidity, temperature, pressure, cloudiness, and wind are the basic atmospheric conditions that make up the weather of a region.

The correct option is B.
“Drass is the world's second coldest inhabited place after Siberia's Oymyakon. Minus 30 to 35°C is common here during the winter.” He adds that the coldest points in Siberia have changed over the years, but Drass still holds the second rank in the world.

The highest summer temperature in India is experienced in Jaisalmer.
Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Pahalgam:
- Pahalgam is a hill station located in Jammu and Kashmir.
- It is situated at an altitude of around 7,200 feet.
- Due to its higher elevation, Pahalgam experiences cooler temperatures during summer compared to other places in India.
- Therefore, Pahalgam does not experience the highest summer temperature in India.
2. Leh:
- Leh is a high-altitude desert city in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir.
- It is located at an altitude of around 11,500 feet.
- Leh experiences cold temperatures throughout the year due to its high elevation.
- It does not experience the highest summer temperature in India.
3. Thiruvananthapuram:
- Thiruvananthapuram is the capital city of Kerala, located in the southern part of India.
- It has a tropical climate and experiences hot and humid summers.
- While Thiruvananthapuram can have high temperatures during summer, it is not the place with the highest summer temperature in India.
4. Jaisalmer:
- Jaisalmer is a city located in the state of Rajasthan in western India.
- It is situated in the Thar Desert, which is known for its extreme temperatures.
- During summer, Jaisalmer experiences scorching heat, with temperatures often reaching the highest in the country.
- The desert climate and geographical location of Jaisalmer contribute to its extremely high summer temperatures.
Therefore, out of the given options, Jaisalmer experiences the highest summer temperature in India.

A is the correct option.Mawsynram is a village in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya state in northeastern India, 60.9 kilometres from “Shillong”. Mawsynram receives the highest rainfall in India.

B is the correct option.There are the two driest stations of India. One is Leh and another is Jodhpur.
 

India has a diverse climate due to its vast geographical area. Different regions of India experience rainfall during different months. The majority of India receives rainfall during the monsoon season, which typically occurs from June to September.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the rainfall patterns in India:
The Monsoon Season:
- The monsoon season in India is characterized by the southwest monsoon winds that bring rainfall to most parts of the country.
- This season starts in June and continues until September.
- The southwest monsoon winds begin in the southern states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and gradually cover the entire country.
- During this period, the central, northern, and northeastern regions of India receive heavy rainfall.
Other Seasons:
- Apart from the monsoon season, there are other periods when certain regions receive rainfall.
- The winter months of December to February can bring rainfall to the southern parts of India, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
- The northeastern states of India, such as Assam and Meghalaya, experience rainfall throughout the year due to their proximity to the Bay of Bengal and the influence of the southwest monsoon winds.
- Some regions in the western Himalayas, such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, receive rainfall during the months of October and November.
Conclusion:
- In summary, the months of June to September are generally the period when most parts of India receive rainfall, known as the monsoon season.
- However, there are exceptions, such as the winter months and certain regions that receive rainfall during other times of the year.

Tamilnadu lies on the leeward side for the south west monsoon starts retreating after mid- September, North East monsoon sets in during mid-october. Tamilnadu lies on the windward side for these winds and hence gets more rainfall during the winter season. Therefore, there is getting most of the rainfall in the months from October to November.

The correct option is B.
Jodhpur lies in the North-Western region of India in the state of Rajasthan.The north-western part of India comprising the Indian Desert experiences the highest diurnal range of temperature. This is because of the fact that sand (found in ample quantity in this region) gains and loses heat very quickly. As a result of this phenomenon, there is a wide difference between day and night temperatures in this region. The day temperature may rise to 50°C and drop down to near 15°C the same night.

The correct option is C.
Thiruvananthapuram has very little difference between 'day and night' temperature.In India, the climate type is described as monsoon type. This climatic type can be found in 'south' and south East Asia. But there are several variations in India, itself. It has been observed that the coastal regions of India have the least amount of difference between the day temperature and the night temperature.

Answer:
Places where houses are built on stilts:
- Assam
Explanation:
Houses built on stilts are a common sight in certain regions of India, where the terrain and environmental conditions require such construction methods. One such place is Assam, a state located in northeastern India. Here are some key points to explain why houses in Assam are built on stilts:
1. Geographic Location:
- Assam is known for its unique geographical features, including vast floodplains and riverine areas.
- The state is crisscrossed by several rivers, including the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.
- These rivers have a tendency to overflow during the monsoon season, leading to frequent floods.
2. Floodplain Dwellings:
- To protect themselves from the annual floods, the local communities in Assam have adapted their housing style by constructing houses on stilts.
- Stilt houses are elevated above the ground level, reducing the risk of damage from floodwaters.
3. Traditional Architecture:
- The traditional architectural style of Assam, known as "Assam-type houses," often incorporates stilts.
- These houses are typically made of bamboo, wood, and thatch, providing flexibility and durability.
4. Benefits of Stilt Houses:
- Stilt houses offer several advantages in flood-prone areas, such as:
- Protection from rising water levels.
- Increased ventilation and airflow beneath the house.
- Reduced risk of damage to the structure during floods.
Conclusion:
In summary, houses built on stilts are commonly found in Assam due to the state's geography and the need to protect against frequent flooding. This architectural style is a testament to the local communities' adaptability and resilience in the face of challenging environmental conditions.

The six major controls of climate change of a place are 1. Latitude,2. Altitude,3. Pressure and wind system,4. Distance from the sea,5. Ocean currents,6. Relief features. Temperature is not included in this list.

Latitude and Altitude: Factors influencing climatic elements
Latitude and altitude are two important geographical factors that significantly influence the climatic elements of a place. They determine various aspects of the climate, including pressure and wind systems, temperature, and rainfall patterns. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Pressure and Wind System:
- The Earth's rotation and the distribution of solar energy create atmospheric pressure differences, leading to the formation of wind systems.
- Latitude affects the distribution of solar energy, which in turn influences pressure belts and the formation of wind patterns such as trade winds, prevailing westerlies, and polar easterlies.
- Altitude also plays a role in pressure variations, as air pressure decreases with increasing altitude.
2. Temperature:
- Latitude has a significant impact on temperature patterns. As one moves away from the equator towards the poles, temperatures generally decrease.
- The angle at which solar radiation reaches the Earth's surface varies with latitude, affecting the amount of heat received.
- Altitude also influences temperature. Higher altitudes are generally cooler due to the decrease in air density and the associated decrease in heat capacity.
3. Rainfall Pattern:
- Latitude and altitude are key factors in determining the global distribution of precipitation.
- Areas near the equator receive more rainfall due to the convergence of trade winds and the presence of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
- Altitude affects rainfall patterns through the orographic effect. As air rises over mountains, it cools and condenses, leading to increased rainfall on the windward side and a rain shadow effect on the leeward side.
Conclusion:
In summary, latitude and altitude are crucial factors that determine various climatic elements of a place, including pressure and wind systems, temperature patterns, and rainfall distribution. Understanding these factors is essential in studying and predicting climate patterns and their impacts on ecosystems and human activities.

Places with cooler climate even during summers:
- Mussoorie: Mussoorie is a hill station located in the state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 6,580 feet, which makes it cooler than the surrounding plains. The average temperature in Mussoorie during summers ranges from 15°C to 25°C, providing relief from the scorching heat.
- Amritsar: Amritsar is a city in Punjab known for its rich history and religious significance. It experiences a relatively cooler climate compared to other cities in the region. The average temperature in Amritsar during summers ranges from 25°C to 35°C, which is lower than the hot and humid conditions in the plains.
- Allahabad: Allahabad, now known as Prayagraj, is located in Uttar Pradesh. It is situated at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. While Allahabad can get hot during summers, it does not have a consistently cooler climate throughout the season.
- Mumbai: Mumbai, the financial capital of India, experiences a tropical climate throughout the year. Summers in Mumbai can be hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Therefore, it does not have a cooler climate during summers.
Based on the given options, Mussoorie is the only place that has a cooler climate even during summers.

Extreme Climate in India:
- Delhi: Delhi experiences an extreme type of climate with very hot summers and cold winters. The temperature can reach up to 45°C in summers and drop below freezing point in winters. The city also experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
- Shillong: Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, experiences a moderate climate throughout the year. Summers are mild and winters are cool, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C.
- Bengaluru: Bengaluru has a moderate and pleasant climate throughout the year. Summers are mild and winters are cool, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C.
- Chennai: Chennai has a tropical wet and dry climate. Summers are extremely hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Winters are mild with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C.
Therefore, the correct answer is D: Delhi, as it experiences an extreme type of climate with very hot summers and cold winters.

Factors contributing to lesser rainfall in Pune compared to Mumbai:
There are several factors that contribute to Pune receiving much lesser rainfall compared to Mumbai. These factors include:
1. Location on the leeward side of Western Ghats:
- Pune is located on the leeward side of the Western Ghats, which means it is situated in the rain shadow region.
- The Western Ghats act as a barrier to the southwest monsoon winds, causing them to lose moisture before reaching Pune.
- As a result, Pune receives less rainfall compared to Mumbai, which is located on the windward side of the Western Ghats and receives direct rainfall.
2. Continentality:
- Pune is located inland, away from the moderating influence of the sea.
- Continental climate conditions prevail in Pune, which means it experiences extreme temperatures and less moisture in the air.
- This lack of moisture in the air contributes to lesser rainfall in Pune.
3. Distance from the sea:
- Pune is located further inland compared to Mumbai, which is a coastal city.
- The proximity to the sea in Mumbai allows it to receive more moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea, resulting in higher rainfall.
- Pune, being farther from the sea, does not receive the same amount of moisture-laden winds, leading to lesser rainfall.
In conclusion, Pune receives much lesser rainfall compared to Mumbai due to its location on the leeward side of the Western Ghats, continentality, and its distance from the sea.

Explanation:
The correct answer is B: Tropic of Cancer.
- The Tropic of Cancer is a latitude line that runs approximately 23.5 degrees north of the equator.
- This line passes through the middle of our country, giving it the characteristics of both tropical and subtropical climates.
- The tropical climate is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year.
- The subtropical climate is characterized by mild winters and hot summers, with moderate rainfall.
- The Tropic of Cancer is responsible for the hot and humid summers experienced in our country, while the subtropical climate is responsible for the mild winters.
- The Tropic of Cancer also marks the northern boundary of the tropics, which are the regions on Earth where the sun can be directly overhead at least once during the year.
- Other latitudes mentioned in the options are not relevant to our country's climate characteristics.
- The Equator is a latitude line that runs through the middle of the Earth and has a tropical climate, but it does not pass through our country.
- The Tropic of Capricorn is a latitude line that runs approximately 23.5 degrees south of the equator and does not pass through our country.
- 82°30'N is a latitude line that is very close to the North Pole and is not relevant to our country's climate characteristics.
Therefore, the correct answer is B: Tropic of Cancer.

The Himalayas prevent the cold winds from Central Asia from entering the subcontinent. It is because of these mountains that this subcontinent experiences comparatively milder winters as compared to central Asia. .During winter, there is a high-pressure area north of the Himalayas.

Atmospheric Conditions Governing Climate and Weather in India:
The climate and associated weather conditions in India are influenced by various atmospheric conditions. These conditions can be categorized as follows:
1. Pressure and surface winds:
- The distribution of pressure and surface winds play a crucial role in determining the climate patterns in India.
- The Indian subcontinent experiences a monsoonal climate, which is characterized by the seasonal reversal of winds.
- During the summer (June-September), the southwest monsoon winds bring abundant moisture and rainfall to India, while during the winter (October-May), the northeast monsoon winds bring dry and cool conditions.
2. Upper air circulation:
- Upper-level atmospheric circulation patterns, such as the jet stream and the subtropical westerly jet, significantly influence the weather conditions in India.
- The position and strength of these upper-level circulations determine the movement and intensity of weather systems, such as cyclones and anticyclones.
3. Western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones:
- Western cyclonic disturbances originating from the Mediterranean region and tropical cyclones originating from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea have a significant impact on weather conditions in India.
- These weather systems bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and sometimes even destructive storms to different parts of the country.
Therefore, all of the above atmospheric conditions, including pressure and surface winds, upper air circulation, and western and tropical cyclonic disturbances, govern the climate and associated weather conditions in India.

Western Cyclonic Disturbances are the temperate cyclones which originate over Mediterranean Sea and Western Asia, and move into India, along with the westerly flow of jet streams. Places away from the sea have very hot summers and very cold winters. This condition is known as continentality.

Velocity of rain bearing winds during the monsoon:
The velocity of rain-bearing winds during the monsoon can vary depending on several factors such as location, topography, and the strength of the monsoon itself. However, on average, the velocity of these winds is around 30 km per hour.
Reasoning:
During the monsoon season, moist winds from the Indian Ocean are drawn towards the Indian subcontinent due to the pressure difference caused by the intense heating of the landmass. These winds, known as the southwest monsoon winds, bring abundant rainfall to the region.
The velocity of these winds is influenced by various factors, including:
1. Pressure Gradient: The velocity of the winds depends on the difference in atmospheric pressure between the ocean and land. The greater the pressure difference, the stronger the winds.
2. Topography: The presence of mountains and hills can impact the velocity of the winds by causing them to be deflected or accelerated.
3. Regional Factors: Different regions experience varying intensities of the monsoon, leading to variations in wind velocity. Coastal areas may experience higher wind velocities compared to inland regions.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the velocity of rain-bearing winds during the monsoon season is approximately 30 km per hour on average. However, it is important to note that this value can vary depending on several factors and regional conditions.

In summer, strong winds blow from the southwest to the northeast through that area, bringing significant moisture—and rain, to the region. Low pressure areas in the Andaman Sea can readily develop into tropical cyclones in the summer.

C is the correct option.Arakan Hills
The Bay of Bengal branch - The Arakan Hills along the coast of Myanmar deflect a big portion of this branch towards the Indian subcontinent.
 

June 1 is regarded as the date of onset of the monsoon in India, as indicated by the arrival of the monsoon in the southernmost state of Kerala. The monsoon accounts for nearly 80% of the rainfall in India.

Monsoon Type of Climate
The monsoon type of climate is primarily found in South and Southeast Asia. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. South and Southeast Asia:
- The monsoon climate is most prominent in South and Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
- These regions experience distinct wet and dry seasons, with heavy rainfall during the wet monsoon season and drier conditions during the dry season.
- The monsoon winds, known as the Southwest Monsoon, bring moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, resulting in abundant rainfall.
2. North and Northwest Asia:
- North and Northwest Asia, including countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia, generally do not have a monsoon type of climate.
- These regions have a different climate pattern, characterized by cold, dry winters and relatively mild summers.
3. North Asia:
- North Asia, which includes countries like Siberia and parts of Russia, experiences a subarctic and continental climate.
- This region is known for its extremely cold winters and short, cool summers, with precipitation occurring throughout the year.
4. West Asia:
- West Asia, also known as the Middle East, does not typically have a monsoon climate.
- This region is characterized by arid and semi-arid climates, with hot, dry summers and cool winters.
In conclusion, the monsoon type of climate is mainly found in South and Southeast Asia, while other regions such as North and Northwest Asia, North Asia, and West Asia have different climate patterns.

Thar Desert is present towards western side of India in the state of Rajasthan. This is because it is filled with sand which gets heated up quickly during day and cooled up very quickly during nights.

The Malabar Coast, in historical contexts, refers to India's southwestern coast, which lies on the narrow coastal plain of Karnataka and Kerala states between the Western Ghats range and the Arabian Sea. The coast runs from south of Goa to Kanyakumari on India's southern Tip.

B is the correct option.The village of Dras located in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir is known for its cold weather. Temperatures here drop to as low as -22 degree C. India's coldest inhabited place, Dras is often called the 'Gateway to Ladakh'.

Transpiration is the process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere. Transpiration is essentially evaporation of water from plant leaves.