Unit Test (Solutions): Climate | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M. 30
Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1. Which place receives the highest rainfall in the world? (1 Mark) 
(i) Silchar
(ii) Cherrapunji
(iii) Mawsynram
(iv) Guwahati

Ans: (iii)
Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest average annual rainfall in the world.

Q2. The hot, dry winds blowing in northern India during summer are called: (1 Mark) 
(i) Kaal Baisakhi
(ii) Loo
(iii) Trade Winds
(iv) None of the above

Ans: (ii)
These hot, dry winds are called the “Loo.” They blow during the day in May and June in north and north-western India.

Q3. Monsoon typically arrives in India in: (1 Mark) 
(i) Early May
(ii) Early June
(iii) Early July
(iv) Early August

Ans: (ii)
The monsoon arrives in India in early June, beginning from the southern coast of Kerala.

Q4. Which characterizes the cold weather season in India? (1 Mark) 
(i) Warm days and warm nights
(ii) Warm days and cold nights
(iii) Cool days and cold nights
(iv) Cold days and warm nights

Ans: (ii)
In the cold weather season, especially in the northern plains, days are warm and nights are cold.

Q5. The force responsible for deflecting winds due to Earth's rotation is: (1 Mark) 
(i) Gravitational force
(ii) Coriolis force
(iii) Frictional force
(iv) Centrifugal force

Ans: (ii)
Coriolis force – an apparent force caused by the Earth’s rotation, which deflects winds to the right in the northern hemisphere.

Q6. What are the six major controls affecting the climate of a place? (2 Marks) 

Ans: The six major controls are:

1. Latitude

2. Altitude

3. Pressure and wind system

4. Distance from the sea (continentality)

5. Ocean currents

6. Relief features

Q7. Why does the Tamil Nadu coast receive rainfall in winter? (2 Marks) 

Ans: During October–November, the northeast trade winds blow from the sea towards the Tamil Nadu coast, carrying moisture and causing winter rainfall.

Q8. What is meant by "break" in monsoon? (2 Marks) 

Ans: A “break” in monsoon refers to rainless intervals during the rainy season, caused by the shifting of the monsoon trough either northwards or southwards, leading to dry spells in some areas.

Q9. Explain why houses in Rajasthan, the Tarai region, and Assam are built differently due to climatic conditions. (3 Marks) 

Ans:

• Rajasthan: Thick walls and flat roofs to insulate against extreme heat and cold, as temperatures vary widely (e.g., 50°C day to 15°C night in Thar Desert).
• Tarai region/Goa/Mangalore: Sloping roofs to allow heavy monsoon rainfall to drain off, preventing water accumulation.
• Assam: Houses on stilts to protect against frequent flooding during heavy monsoon rains and to ensure safety in flood-prone areas.

Q10. Describe the characteristics of the hot weather season in India. (3 Marks)

Ans: 

• Occurs from March to May with high temperatures, reaching 45°C in northwest India.

• Loo winds blow in north India and dust storms are common in May.

• Pre-monsoon showers occur in Kerala and Karnataka, called “mango showers.”

Q11. Why do parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the leeward side of the Western Ghats receive low rainfall? (3 Marks)

Ans: These regions receive low rainfall (<60 cm annually) because:

• Rajasthan/Gujarat: Located in the west, far from moisture-laden monsoon winds, which lose most of their moisture before reaching these areas.
• Leeward side of Western Ghats: Lies in the rain shadow area, where monsoon winds, after shedding moisture on the windward side, bring little rain.

Q12. Discuss the regional variations in India’s climatic conditions with suitable examples. (5 Marks)

Ans: India’s monsoon climate shows significant regional variations:

• Temperature: In summer, Rajasthan desert reaches 50°C, while Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir) is around 20°C. In winter, Drass (Jammu & Kashmir) drops to -45°C, but Thiruvananthapuram stays at 22°C. Coastal areas like Andaman and Kerala have minimal day-night temperature differences, unlike the Thar Desert’s wide diurnal range.
• Precipitation: Meghalaya receives over 400 cm annually, while Ladakh and western Rajasthan get less than 10 cm. Most areas get rain from June-September, but Tamil Nadu coast receives rainfall in October-November from northeast monsoons. Snowfall is limited to the Himalayan region.
• Seasonal Patterns: Coastal areas have less temperature variation due to the sea’s moderating influence, while interior regions experience extreme seasonal contrasts. Rainfall in the northern plains decreases from east to west.These variations influence lifestyles, with different housing, clothing, and food habits across regions.

Q13. Explain how the monsoon acts as a unifying bond for India. (5 Marks)

Ans: The monsoon unifies India by:

• Providing Water for Agriculture: Monsoon rains (June-September) supply water across the country, driving the agricultural calendar and supporting crops, uniting farmers from north to south.
• Cultural Significance: Monsoon influences festivals, songs, and traditions nationwide, creating a shared cultural rhythm.
• Moderating Climate: The Himalayas shield India from cold Central Asian winds, and the peninsular plateau’s coastal influence ensures moderate temperatures, creating a uniform climatic framework.
• River Systems: Monsoon-fed rivers like the Ganga form interconnected valley systems, linking regions economically and socially.
• Variability and Unity: Despite uneven rainfall distribution and uncertainties (floods in high-rainfall areas, droughts in low-rainfall regions), the monsoon’s seasonal cycle binds India’s diverse landscapes and lifestyles.