Test: Climate- 2 - UPSC MCQ

- 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.

- Loo is a hot, dry wind that occurs in northern India, particularly in the summer months.
- It is most commonly associated with the states of Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
- Gujarat, being a desert region, experiences intense heat and strong winds, making it particularly prone to loo conditions.
- Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, has a different climate influenced by the monsoon, and does not typically suffer from loo.
- Therefore, the correct answer is Both (A) and (C) .

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.

Relief plays a major role in determining the climate of a place. The relief of an area also has a significant impact on the environment. High mountains are in the path of cold or hot winds, can produce precipitation, and act as barriers against cold or hot breezes. The rain shadow area receives no precipitation, but some areas receive considerable rainfall due to the mountains. Relief plays a role in influencing the climate

 

The North-east dry Monsoon winds blow over the Bay of Bengal during winter. - As they pass over the Bay of Bengal they develop moisture and bring rain to the Tamil Nadu coast. As now they are under the influence of on-shore winds, they are full of moisture. Chennai is located on the eastern coast.

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.

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.

Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long period of time (more than thirty years) acc. to ncert textbook.

Mawsynram, located in the southern ranges of the Khasi Hills, holds the record for the highest average annual rainfall in the world, receiving more than 467 cm of rain per year. This extreme rainfall is due to its position on the windward side of the Western Ghats, which causes orographic lift, increasing precipitation.

The western coast of India receives very heavy rainfall during the monsoon season due to its location on the windward side of the Western Ghats. As the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds hit the Ghats, they rise and cool, leading to heavy rainfall on the western coast.