Test: Climate- 2 - UPSC

Kaal Baisakhi means
Kaal Baisakhi is a term used in the Punjabi language, specifically in the region of Punjab in India. It is a combination of two words: "Kaal" meaning "time" or "death" and "Baisakhi" which is the name of a festival celebrated in the month of April.
Explanation:
- Kaal Baisakhi is a term used to refer to a specific weather phenomenon that occurs in the month of Baisakh (April) in Punjab.
- During this time, sudden and destructive weather changes occur, which can include heavy rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms.
- These weather changes can cause damage to crops, houses, and infrastructure, leading to loss of life and property.
- The term "Kaal" in Kaal Baisakhi refers to the destructive nature of these weather changes, which can bring about death and destruction.
- It is important to note that Kaal Baisakhi is not a widely recognized term outside of the Punjabi language and the specific region of Punjab in India.
- The term is mainly used among the local population to describe the severe weather conditions they experience during the Baisakhi festival.
In conclusion, Kaal Baisakhi refers to the destructive weather changes that occur during the month of Baisakh in Punjab, India. It is not a widely known term outside of this specific region.

States suffering from loo:
- Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu is one of the states that suffer from loo, a hot and dry wind that blows during the summer months.
- Uttar Pradesh: Uttar Pradesh is another state that experiences the loo phenomenon. The scorching heat and dry winds during summer can be quite unbearable in this region.
- Gujarat: Gujarat is also known to be affected by loo. The state experiences high temperatures and strong winds, making it uncomfortable for people living there during the summer months.
- None of these: This option is incorrect as all three states mentioned above, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat, suffer from loo.
Therefore, the correct answer is B: Uttar Pradesh.

Answer:
The correct answer is D: -45.
Explanation:
Jammu and Kashmir is known for its extremely cold winters, especially in places like Drass, which is considered one of the coldest inhabited places on Earth. Here is a detailed explanation of why the temperature in Drass on a winter night may touch -45 degrees Celsius:
1. Climate in Drass: Drass is located in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of around 10,000 feet. The climate in Drass is extremely cold and harsh, with temperatures dropping significantly during the winter season.
2. Geographical Location: Drass is situated in the western Himalayas, close to the Line of Control between India and Pakistan. The region is surrounded by high mountain ranges, which contribute to the cold temperatures experienced in the area.
3. Cold Siberian Winds: During winter, Drass is affected by cold Siberian winds that blow across the region. These winds bring freezing temperatures and make the weather even colder.
4. High Altitude: The high altitude of Drass plays a significant role in determining the temperature. As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and holds less heat, resulting in lower temperatures.
5. Record Low Temperatures: Drass has recorded extremely low temperatures in the past. The lowest temperature ever recorded in Drass was -45 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest inhabited places in the world.
Thus, on a winter night in Drass, it is possible for the temperature to touch -45 degrees Celsius due to its geographical location, high altitude, and the influence of cold Siberian winds.

The extreme climate is generally associated with:
- Tropical areas: Tropical areas are known for their hot and humid climate, which can be considered extreme in terms of high temperatures and heavy rainfall. However, extreme climate is not limited to tropical areas alone.
- Temperature areas: While temperature areas can experience extreme climate conditions such as hot summers and cold winters, extreme climate is not exclusive to these regions either.
- Interior areas: Interior areas, particularly those far from coastal influences, can experience extreme climate conditions. These areas are more susceptible to temperature extremes, including extremely hot summers and extremely cold winters.
- None of these: This option is incorrect as extreme climate can be associated with tropical areas, temperature areas, and interior areas.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: Interior areas.

Jet Streams
- Jet Streams are fast flowing cold air currents in the upper atmosphere.
- They are narrow zones of strong winds that blow from west to east.
- Jet Streams can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per hour.
- They are located in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere, typically between 20,000 and 50,000 feet above sea level.
- Jet Streams are caused by the temperature difference between warm and cold air masses.
- They play a crucial role in weather patterns and can influence the movement of storms and the formation of weather systems.
- Jet Streams are important for aviation as they can either assist or hinder the speed and efficiency of aircraft.
- There are two main jet streams in each hemisphere, known as the polar jet stream and the subtropical jet stream.
- The polar jet stream is located at higher latitudes, while the subtropical jet stream is found closer to the equator.
- Jet Streams can have a significant impact on climate and can affect the distribution of heat and moisture around the globe.

Coldest Months in the Northern Part of India:


The coldest months in the northern part of India are as follows:
A: October-November
- October and November are generally not the coldest months in the northern part of India. The temperatures start to cool down during these months, but they are not the coldest.
B: November-December
- November and December are still not the coldest months in the northern part of India. The temperatures continue to drop, but they are not at their lowest during this time.
C: December-January
- December and January are the coldest months in the northern part of India. The temperatures reach their lowest during this time, and cold waves are common in many parts of the region.
D: January-February
- January and February are also cold months in the northern part of India, but they are not as cold as December. The temperatures start to rise gradually in February.
Therefore, the correct answer is C: December-January as these are the coldest months in the northern part of India.

Chennai receives rainfall in winter due to the following reasons
(i) The North-East winds pick up moisture while crossing Bay of Bengal. These winds are on-shore in Tamil-Nadu coast and hence cause rainfall there.
(ii) During the months of October and November, the low-pressure area over North-Western India get transferred to the Bay of Bengal. This shift is associated with cyclonic depression which originate over Andaman sea and causes rainfall in coastal areas e.g. in Chennai.

Annual Precipitation over 400 cm:
To determine which of the following places have an annual precipitation over 400 cm, we need to analyze the given options.
A: UP
- No information is provided about the annual precipitation in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
B: West Bengal
- No information is provided about the annual precipitation in West Bengal.
C: Meghalaya
- Meghalaya is known for its high rainfall and receives one of the highest amounts of precipitation in India. The average annual precipitation in Meghalaya is over 400 cm, making it a suitable option.
D: Madhya Pradesh
- No information is provided about the annual precipitation in Madhya Pradesh.
Based on the given information, the correct answer is option C: Meghalaya, where the annual precipitation is over 400 cm.

Cause of snowfall in the Himalayas during the winter season:
There are several factors that contribute to snowfall in the Himalayas during the winter season. The most significant cause is the influence of Western disturbances.
1. Western disturbances:
- Western disturbances are extratropical storms that originate in the Mediterranean region and move eastwards towards the Indian subcontinent.
- These disturbances bring cold and moist air from the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in the formation of clouds and precipitation.
- When these disturbances interact with the Himalayan mountain range, they are forced to rise, causing condensation and subsequent snowfall.
- The higher altitudes of the Himalayas enhance the chances of snowfall during winter.
Other factors that can contribute to snowfall in the Himalayas, although to a lesser extent, include:
2. Advancing monsoon:
- During the summer monsoon season, warm and moist air masses move towards the Himalayas from the Indian Ocean.
- As these air masses rise over the mountains, they cool and condense, leading to rainfall in the lower altitudes.
- In the higher reaches of the Himalayas, this precipitation can fall as snow during the winter season.
3. Retreating monsoon:
- Towards the end of the monsoon season, the withdrawal of the Indian monsoon results in the movement of weather systems from east to west.
- These systems can bring moisture and precipitation to the Himalayas, leading to snowfall.
4. Bay of Bengal Branch:
- The Bay of Bengal Branch is a weather system that brings moisture from the Bay of Bengal towards the Himalayas.
- This moisture can contribute to snowfall in the Himalayas during the winter season.
Overall, the primary cause of snowfall in the Himalayas during the winter season is the influence of Western disturbances. However, other weather systems such as the monsoon and the Bay of Bengal Branch can also play a role in contributing to snowfall in the region.

Phenomenon of Monsoon Rainfall Increase
The phenomenon of sudden and continuous increase in monsoon rainfall for several days is known as a burst of the monsoon. This intense rainfall event is characterized by heavy downpours and can have significant impacts on the local climate and environment. Here is a detailed explanation of this phenomenon:
1. Burst of the Monsoon:
- The burst of the monsoon refers to a sudden onset of heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
- This phenomenon occurs when there is a rapid intensification of the monsoon winds and atmospheric conditions, leading to an increased influx of moisture and convective activity.
- The burst is often accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds, and a significant rise in humidity levels.
2. Duration and Impact:
- The burst of the monsoon typically lasts for several days to a week.
- During this period, the rainfall is continuous and can be quite heavy, resulting in localized flooding and waterlogging.
- The increased rainfall contributes to the replenishment of water bodies, such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which is crucial for agriculture and water supply.
3. Importance:
- The burst of the monsoon is a critical phase in the monsoon cycle as it helps to break the initial dry spell and kickstart the monsoon season.
- It plays a crucial role in determining the overall monsoon rainfall distribution and its impact on various sectors like agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and water resources.
4. Regional Variations:
- The burst of the monsoon can vary in timing and intensity across different regions.
- In some areas, it may occur earlier in the monsoon season, while in others, it may be delayed.
- The intensity of the burst can also vary, with some regions experiencing heavy rainfall for a shorter duration, while others may have prolonged periods of continuous rainfall.
In conclusion, the phenomenon of sudden and continuous increase in monsoon rainfall for several days is known as a burst of the monsoon. This event is crucial for the monsoon season as it marks the onset of heavy rainfall, replenishes water bodies, and influences various sectors dependent on rainfall.

Explanation:
The correct answer is C: Western ghats.
Here is a detailed explanation:
- The Arabian Sea branch is a major branch of the Indian monsoon system that brings rainfall to the western coast of India.
- The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Mountains, run along the western coast of India parallel to the Arabian Sea.
- The Western Ghats act as a barrier in the path of the Arabian Sea branch, causing the moist air to rise and resulting in heavy rainfall on the windward side of the mountains.
- The Western Ghats are a mountain range that stretches from Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south.
- The range is known for its biodiversity and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Eastern Ghats, on the other hand, run along the eastern coast of India and do not act as a barrier in the path of the Arabian Sea branch.
- The Aravalli Range is located in western India and does not directly affect the Arabian Sea branch.
In conclusion, the Western Ghats act as a barrier in the path of the Arabian Sea branch.

Thiruvananthapuram is a coastal station. Due to its location the land and sea breeze has a moderating influence on the temperature . This prevents the temperatures from reaching extremes and so a low annual range of temperature is recorded.

Explanation:
The correct statement about the decrease in rainfall is:
B: There is a decrease in rainfall generally from east to west in the Northern Plains.
Reasoning:
- The Northern Plains are a region in which the general trend of rainfall is from east to west.
- As we move from east to west in the Northern Plains, there is a gradual decrease in rainfall.
- This decrease in rainfall can be attributed to factors such as the distance from moisture sources, the influence of mountain ranges, and prevailing wind patterns.
- The eastern parts of the Northern Plains receive more rainfall due to their proximity to moisture sources such as the Bay of Bengal.
- As we move towards the western parts of the Northern Plains, the rainfall decreases due to the rain shadow effect caused by the Himalayan mountain range.
- Therefore, the correct statement is that there is a decrease in rainfall generally from east to west in the Northern Plains.
Conclusion:
The correct statement about the decrease in rainfall in the Northern Plains is that there is a decrease in rainfall generally from east to west.

India receives most rains from the southwest monsoon.
The southwest monsoon is responsible for bringing the majority of rainfall to India. It is a seasonal wind pattern that brings moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean to the subcontinent. Here are the reasons why the southwest monsoon is the primary source of rainfall in India:
1. Seasonal Wind Pattern: The southwest monsoon occurs during the summer months, typically starting in June and lasting until September. During this time, the monsoon winds blow from the southwest, carrying moisture over the warm Indian Ocean and bringing rainfall to India.
2. Geographical Factors: India's location plays a significant role in receiving rainfall from the southwest monsoon. The country is surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, which provide a moisture source for the monsoon winds. The Western Ghats mountain range and the Himalayas also influence the monsoon pattern by acting as barriers and causing orographic rainfall.
3. Monsoon Trough: The southwest monsoon is associated with the formation of a low-pressure area known as the monsoon trough. This trough acts as a focal point for the convergence of moisture-laden winds, leading to widespread rainfall across the country.
4. Impact on Agriculture: The southwest monsoon is vital for India's agriculture, as it provides water for irrigation and supports the growth of crops. The monsoon rains replenish reservoirs, rivers, and groundwater, which are essential for sustaining agriculture in the country.
In conclusion, the southwest monsoon is the primary source of rainfall in India. Its seasonal wind pattern, geographical factors, formation of the monsoon trough, and its impact on agriculture make it the most significant contributor to India's rainfall.

False
The statement "By the beginning of August, the monsoon withdraws from the Northern Plains" is incorrect. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Monsoon Season: The monsoon season in India typically starts in June and lasts until September. During this time, the country experiences heavy rainfall, especially in the northern and northeastern regions.
2. Northern Plains: The northern plains of India, including states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, are known for their fertile agricultural land and are part of the monsoon region.
3. Monsoon Withdrawal: The withdrawal of the monsoon refers to the retreat of the rainfall activity from a particular region. It usually begins in September and gradually moves southwards, affecting different parts of the country at different times.
4. Northern Plains and Monsoon Withdrawal: The monsoon withdrawal from the northern plains typically occurs in September or even later. By the beginning of August, the monsoon is still active in this region, and heavy rainfall can be expected during this time.
5. Weather Patterns: During early August, the northern plains continue to receive rainfall as the monsoon remains in full swing. The withdrawal process usually starts from the northwest parts of India and gradually progresses towards the southeast.
In summary, the monsoon does not withdraw from the northern plains by the beginning of August. Instead, heavy rainfall can be expected during this time as the monsoon season is still active in the region. Therefore, the statement is false.

Climate is:


A: Statistical data of weather condition
- Climate refers to the long-term average weather conditions of a particular region or the entire planet.
- It involves the analysis of various weather factors such as temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind patterns, and atmospheric pressure over a specific period.
- Climate data is collected and recorded using scientific instruments and observations.
- These data provide valuable information about the climate patterns, trends, and variability of a region or the entire planet.
B: Data related to the atmosphere
- Climate is closely related to the atmosphere as it encompasses the study of the Earth's atmospheric conditions.
- The atmosphere plays a significant role in shaping the climate patterns by regulating the distribution of solar energy, heat, and moisture.
- Climate data includes information about atmospheric components such as greenhouse gases, aerosols, and their impact on climate change.
- Understanding the atmospheric conditions is crucial for predicting and analyzing climate variations.
C: A general formula for weather
- Climate is not a general formula for weather but rather a broader concept that encompasses long-term weather patterns.
- Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, precipitation, and wind, that vary from day to day or even hour to hour.
- Climate, on the other hand, focuses on the average weather conditions over a longer period, typically spanning decades or centuries.
D: None of these
- The correct answer is not D as climate is a combination of A and B.
- Climate involves statistical data related to weather conditions and is closely linked to the atmosphere.
In conclusion, climate is the long-term average weather conditions of a region or the entire planet. It involves the analysis of statistical data related to weather conditions and is closely linked to the atmosphere. Unlike weather, which refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, climate focuses on long-term patterns and trends.

The amount of dust present in the atmosphere is called Humidity - False
Explanation:
Humidity and dust are two different concepts related to the atmosphere. Here's a detailed explanation:
Humidity:
- Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air.
- It is a measure of the moisture content in the atmosphere.
- Humidity can be expressed as relative humidity, which is the ratio of the amount of water vapor present in the air to the maximum amount it can hold at a given temperature.
- High humidity levels can make the air feel sticky and uncomfortable, while low humidity can cause dryness in the air.
Dust:
- Dust refers to tiny solid particles that are suspended in the air.
- These particles can be made up of various materials, such as soil, pollen, pollutants, or other organic and inorganic matter.
- Dust can be visible to the naked eye, and it can accumulate on surfaces, causing allergies and respiratory issues.
- Dust particles can also affect air quality and visibility.
In conclusion, humidity and dust are distinct concepts in atmospheric science. Humidity refers to the presence of water vapor, while dust refers to solid particles suspended in the air.