Class 5 SST HOTS Questions - Weather and Climate

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1: The climate of a place is affected by
(a) distance from the Equator.
(b) humidity.
(c) height above the sea level.
(d) All of these.
Ans: (d)
All of these factors affect the climate of a place.
(a) Distance from the Equator: The closer a place is to the Equator, the warmer its climate tends to be.
(b) Humidity: Humidity levels influence how hot or cold a place feels. High humidity can make a place feel warmer, while low humidity can make it feel cooler.
(c) Height above sea level: Places at higher elevations generally have cooler climates because the air is thinner and less able to retain heat. This is why mountainous areas tend to be cooler.

Q2: Which of these zones receive the maximum heat from the Sun?
(a) Tropical Zone.
(b) Frigid Zone
(c) Temperate Zone
(d) All of these receive an equal amount of heat.
Ans: (a)
The Tropical Zone receives the maximum heat from the Sun. This zone is located near the Equator and receives direct sunlight throughout the year, making it the hottest part of the Earth.

Q3: A city is expected to have a moderate climate if it is
(a) near the Equator.
(b) near the sea.
(c) near the mountains.
(d) near the poles.
Ans: (b)
A city is expected to have a moderate climate if it is near the sea. Oceans have a moderating effect on temperature, which keeps coastal areas cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter compared to inland regions. This leads to a more moderate and comfortable climate.

Q4: If the latitude of a place is 30° N, it lies in the
(a) Tropical Zone
(b) North Temperate Zone
(c) Frigid Zone
(d) South Temperate Zone
Ans: (b)
If the latitude of a place is 30° N (North), it lies in the North Temperate Zone. This zone is characterised by moderate temperatures and distinct seasons, which include warm summers and cool winters.

Q5: A city lies on the Equator. It is located in the plains, far away from the coast. Its climate is expected to be
(a) hot throughout the year.
(b) cold throughout the year.
(c) hot in summers and cold in winters.
(d) neither very hot nor very cold.
Ans: (a)
A city that lies on the Equator, situated in the plains and far from the coast, is expected to have a hot climate throughout the year. This is due to its position, which allows it to receive direct sunlight year-round, resulting in consistently high temperatures. Additionally, the absence of coastal influences means there is no moderating effect on the climate, further contributing to the hot conditions.

Answer these Questions

Q6: What is the difference between weather and climate?
Ans: Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions at a specific place and time, typically over a short period. In contrast, climate is defined as the average weather conditions of a particular area over a long duration, usually taken over 30 years or more.

Q7: How does the climate of a place affect the people living there?
Ans: The climate of a place significantly influences various aspects of people's lives, including:

• Food habits: The types of food consumed often depend on the climate, as certain crops thrive in specific conditions.
• Clothing styles: People adapt their clothing to suit the weather, wearing lighter fabrics in warm climates and heavier materials in colder environments.
• Types of houses: Architectural styles are often shaped by climatic conditions, with homes designed to provide comfort and protection against local weather.
• Daily activities: The climate can dictate the timing and nature of daily activities, such as outdoor work or leisure.

In summary, the climate of a region plays a crucial role in shaping the lifestyle and culture of its inhabitants.

Q8: Name the five important factors that determine the climate of a place.
Ans: The five important factors that determine the climate of a place are:

• Distance from the Equator: The closer a location is to the equator, the warmer it tends to be.
• Height above sea level: Higher altitudes usually result in cooler temperatures.
• Distance from the sea: Coastal areas typically experience milder climates compared to inland regions.
• Winds: The direction and strength of winds can significantly influence climate patterns.
• Humidity: The amount of moisture in the air affects temperature and precipitation levels.

Q9: Why do areas near the Equator receive more heat from the Sun than those near the poles?
Ans: Areas near the Equator receive more heat from the Sun because they are positioned to receive the Sun's direct and vertical rays. This results in more intense solar radiation. In contrast, regions near the poles are located farther from these direct rays, leading to a significant reduction in the amount of heat they receive.

Q10: Where are the following heat zones located? Describe the general climate of each zone.
(a) Frigid Zone;
(b) Temperate Zone;
(c) Tropical Zone
Ans:
(a) Frigid Zone: The Frigid Zone is located between the Arctic Circle (66.5°N) and the North Pole (90°N) in the Northern Hemisphere and between the Antarctic Circle (66.5°S) and the South Pole (90°S) in the Southern Hemisphere. The climate in the Frigid Zone is generally very cold due to the limited amount of heat it receives from the Sun.
(b) Temperate Zone: The Temperate Zone is located between the Arctic Circle (66.5°N) and the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) in the Northern Hemisphere and between the Antarctic Circle (66.5°S) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S) in the Southern Hemisphere. The climate in the Temperate Zone is generally moderate, with neither extreme cold nor extreme heat.
(c) Tropical Zone (Torrid Zone): The Tropical Zone is located between the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S). It receives the maximum amount of heat from the Sun and has a generally hot climate.

Q11: How do winds affect the climate of a place?
Ans: Winds play a crucial role in shaping the climate of a region. Different types of winds—be they hot, cool, dry, or moist—blow in specific directions across various areas. These winds carry with them heat and moisture, which significantly influence the overall climate. 
The impact of winds on climate can be summarised as follows:

• Temperature Regulation: Winds can either warm or cool a place, affecting local temperatures.
• Moisture Distribution: Winds transport moisture, contributing to precipitation patterns.
• Seasonal Changes: Winds can shift with the seasons, altering climatic conditions.

In summary, the movement of different winds is essential for understanding the climatic variations experienced in different parts of the world.

Q7: How is the humidity in Chennai different from that of Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert?
Ans: Humidity is very high in Chennai because it is located near the sea. In contrast, the humidity in Jaisalmer, which is situated in the Thar Desert, is very low due to its distance from the sea.