Textbook Solutions: Indian Subcontinent: Climate and Rainfall | Footprints Class 7: Book Solutions, Notes & Worksheets PDF Download

I. Tick (✓) the correct option.

1.
Ans: (a)

2.
Ans: (a)

3.
Ans: (b)

4.
Ans: (a)

5.
Ans: (a)

II. State whether the following statements are true or false. Rewrite the corrected statements in your notebook.

1.
Ans: False. A thermometer is used to measure temperature.

2.
Ans: False. An anemometer is used to measure wind speed.

3.
Ans: False. A hygrometer is used to measure humidity. A rain gauge is used to measure the amount of rainfall.

4.
Ans: False. Delhi experiences extreme climate, but Mumbai has an equable climate.

5.
Ans: False. India lies in both the tropical and subtropical zones.

III. Fill in the blanks.

1.
Ans: Latitude, altitude, and distance from the sea

2.
Ans: Wind

3.
Ans: Retreating monsoon

4.
Ans: June

5.
Ans: Kerala and parts of Maharashtra

IV. Two statements are given in the question below as Assertion (A) and Reasoning (R). Read the statements and choose the correct option.

Ans: (a)

V. Answer the following questions in brief.

1.
Ans: The pressure of the atmosphere is maximum at sea level because the air is denser and there is more weight of the air column above, leading to higher pressure.

2.
Ans: Air pressure decreases with altitude because the density of air decreases as we go higher into the atmosphere, resulting in lower air pressure.

3.
Ans: 'Mango showers' refer to the local thunderstorms in Kerala during the summer, which help in the ripening of mangoes.

4.
Ans: Areas on the leeward side receive less rainfall because as winds ascend the windward slopes, they cool and shed their moisture. By the time they descend on the leeward side, they are dry, resulting in less rainfall.

5.
Ans: Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala receive rainfall from the North-east Monsoons.

VI. Answer the following questions in detail.

1.
Ans: Climate refers to the sum total of the atmospheric conditions of a larger area over a longer period of time, about 30–40 years. It includes factors like temperature, air pressure, humidity, wind velocity, and precipitation. Climate is different from weather, which refers to the condition of the atmosphere in a particular area for a short period of time, such as a few hours or days.

2.
Ans: Several factors affect the climate of a place, including:

• Latitude: Determines the angle at which the Sun's rays strike the Earth and affects temperature.
• Altitude: Higher altitudes have lower temperatures.
• Distance from the sea: Coastal areas have moderate climates, while inland areas have extreme climates.
• Prevailing winds: Winds transport heat from one place to another, influencing temperature.
• Ocean currents: Warm and cold ocean currents affect the temperature of nearby areas.
• Slope of land: In mountainous regions, the southern slopes receive more sunlight and are warmer than the northern slopes.

3.
Ans: The south-west monsoons are caused by the differential heating of land and water. During summer, low pressure develops over north-western India due to high temperatures. Winds from the high-pressure areas over the cooler Indian Ocean are drawn towards the low-pressure areas over the land. As these winds, called the south-west monsoons, travel over the water, they pick up moisture and bring heavy rainfall to India, particularly along the western coast and the northern plains.

4.
Ans: The retreating monsoon refers to the period when the south-west monsoon winds begin to withdraw from India. This typically occurs by the end of September, as the Sun's vertical rays move towards the equator. During this season, the weather becomes clearer and cooler, and dry winds begin to blow from the land to the sea. The retreating monsoons leave most of India by November.

5.
Ans: The monsoon is crucial for Indian agriculture as it provides the majority of the rainfall needed for farming. The onset of the south-west monsoons signals the sowing season for kharif crops like rice, pulses, and oilseeds. Adequate monsoon rainfall ensures a good harvest, reducing the need for irrigation and boosting agricultural output. A good monsoon also supports the overall economy, as agriculture is a significant contributor to India's GDP and employment.