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

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What is weather?
Ans: Weather refers to the condition of the atmosphere in a particular area for a short period of time. It includes elements like temperature, air pressure, humidity, wind, rainfall, sunshine, and cloud cover.

Q2: What is climate?
Ans: Climate is the sum total of the atmospheric conditions of a larger area over a longer period of time, typically about 30-40 years. It encompasses factors like temperature, air pressure, humidity, wind velocity, precipitation, sunshine, and atmospheric phenomena.

Q3: How is temperature measured?
Ans: Temperature is measured using a thermometer and is expressed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

Q4: What factors affect temperature?
Ans: Factors like latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, prevailing winds, ocean currents, and slope of land affect the temperature of a place on Earth's surface.

Q5: What is atmospheric pressure?
Ans: Atmospheric pressure, also known as air pressure, is the pressure exerted on Earth's surface by the weight of the air above it. It is measured in units of millibars with a barometer.

Q6: How is air pressure affected by temperature?
Ans: With an increase in temperature, air expands, becomes lighter, and rises, creating low pressure. When air cools, it contracts, becomes heavier, and denser, leading to high pressure.

Q7: What are winds?
Ans: Winds are the horizontal movement of air on Earth's surface from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure. They help in transferring heat to different regions.

Q8: What is humidity?
Ans: Humidity refers to the moisture in the air. It varies based on temperature, with high temperatures leading to increased humidity due to faster evaporation.

Q9: How does the monsoon impact the life of people in India?
Ans: The monsoon is crucial for agriculture in India, providing water for crops and influencing the economy. It affects food supply, water resources, hydroelectric power generation, natural vegetation, and the fishing industry.

Q10: What are the impacts of excessive rainfall during the monsoon season?
Ans: Excessive rainfall during the monsoon season can lead to floods, causing damage to crops, property, and human lives. It can also result in economic losses and disrupt daily life.

Long Answer Questions

Q1: Explain the impact of India's monsoon season on the climate and agriculture of the country.
Ans: India's monsoon season plays a crucial role in shaping the climate and agricultural activities in the country.
Here are five key points to elaborate on this impact:

• The monsoon season brings the majority of rainfall to India, replenishing water sources and ensuring water availability for agriculture.
• Indian agriculture heavily depends on the monsoon for the sowing of crucial crops like rice, pulses, and oilseeds during the kharif season.
• Adequate monsoon rains lead to increased agricultural output, higher farmer incomes, and lower dependency on irrigation methods, reducing costs for farmers.
• The timely arrival of monsoons positively influences the economy by boosting agricultural productivity, increasing farmer earnings, and stimulating demand across various sectors.
• Regular and timely monsoon rains are essential for recharging water bodies, supporting hydroelectric power generation, maintaining natural vegetation, and sustaining livestock and fishing activities.

Q2: Describe the mechanism of the monsoon and how it affects different regions of India.
Ans: The monsoon mechanism is a complex process that significantly impacts India's climate.
Here's a breakdown of this mechanism:

• The monsoon winds, originating from the Southern Hemisphere, absorb moisture over water bodies and bring rain to the Indian subcontinent.
• These moisture-laden winds reach the Indian mainland, causing heavy rainfall along the western coast due to orographic effects.
• As the monsoon progresses, it divides into branches, leading to variable rainfall patterns across different regions such as the west coast, the rain-shadow regions, and the Gangetic Plains.
• Regions like Meghalaya and Assam receive heavy rainfall due to the orographic uplift, while areas like western Rajasthan remain arid due to the rain shadow effect.
• The seasonal reversal of winds and the distribution of rainfall play a crucial role in shaping the climatic conditions and vegetation cover in various parts of India.

Q3: Discuss the factors that influence the climate of a region and explain their significance.
Ans: Several factors contribute to shaping the climate of a region, each playing a unique role in determining its characteristics.
Here are five key factors and their significance:

1. Latitude: The angle at which the sun's rays strike the Earth influences temperature variations, with locations nearer to the equator experiencing warmer climates.
2. Altitude: Higher altitudes exhibit lower temperatures due to the lapse rate, impacting the climate and vegetation zones in mountainous regions.
3. Distance from the sea: Proximity to water bodies influences temperature moderation, leading to distinct climate patterns in coastal and inland areas.
4. Prevailing winds: Wind patterns transport heat and moisture, affecting temperature and rainfall distributions in different regions based on their origin.
5. Ocean currents: Warm and cold ocean currents influence temperature variations along coastlines and modify wind temperatures over adjacent land areas.

Q4: Differentiate between weather and climate, highlighting their respective characteristics and temporal scales.
Ans: Weather and climate are distinct atmospheric concepts that serve different purposes and operate on varying time scales.
Here are five key differences between weather and climate:

• Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area, including temperature, precipitation, and wind speed, changing rapidly within hours or days.
• Climate represents long-term patterns of temperature, precipitation, and other elements over a larger geographical region, typically spanning decades to centuries.
• Weather is dynamic and can fluctuate frequently, leading to daily changes in conditions, whereas climate remains relatively stable and changes slowly over extended periods.
• Weather forecasts aim to predict short-term conditions for planning daily activities, while climate data provides insights into long-term trends and averages for scientific analysis.
• Understanding weather helps in immediate decision-making, while studying climate aids in assessing long-term trends, impacts on ecosystems, and formulating sustainable strategies.

Q5: Explain the significance of the monsoon season in India and its impact on various aspects of life and the environment.
Ans: The monsoon season holds immense importance in India, influencing multiple facets of life and the ecosystem.
Here are five key points highlighting its significance:

• The monsoon season provides the majority of India's annual rainfall, crucial for agriculture, water resources, and hydroelectric power generation.
• Adequate monsoon rains support agricultural activities, ensuring food security, increased crop yields, and economic stability for farmers and the nation.
• The monsoon cycle dictates the cropping patterns, natural vegetation, and fauna distribution, shaping ecosystems and environmental sustainability across regions.
• Timely monsoons recharge water bodies, support fishing activities, and influence the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on agriculture and allied sectors.
• While beneficial, excessive or deficient monsoon rainfall can lead to floods, droughts, crop failures, and economic disruptions, underscoring the need for careful management of this seasonal phenomenon.