Important Questions (1 mark): Climate - Class 9 MCQ

Loo, heat wave tighten its grip over Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Loo has extended its reach and has now gripped more parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and even West Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, some parts of this region are also reeling under heat wave conditions.

A Western Disturbance is an extra tropical storm originating in the Mediterranean region that brings sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is a non-monsoonal precipitation pattern driven by the westerlies. The moisture in these storms usually originates over the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

The correct option is C.
Karnataka and Kerala are the two states where 'mango showers' are common. Explanation: Mango shower is a term that is used for the pre-monsoon rains in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and also in other states of Konkan and Goa.

As a state, the geography and topography of Odisha plays a big role in acting as a magnet for tropical cyclones. Such cyclones and storms in the Bay of Bengal region travel in the northwest direction, upward, owing to the shape of the Indian landmass and the storms' anti-clockwise spin.

The peninsular part of India experiences peak summers earlier than northern India because. Due to northward movement of the sun, the global heat belt shifts northward.

Explanation:

• Kal Baisakhi is a festival celebrated in the state of Bengal.


• It marks the beginning of the Bengali New Year and is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fervor.


• The festival usually falls on April 14th, which is the first day of the Bengali month of Baisakh.


• People celebrate Kal Baisakhi by wearing new clothes, decorating their homes, and participating in cultural events and fairs.


• Traditional sweets and dishes are prepared and shared with family and friends during this festival.


• Overall, Kal Baisakhi is an important cultural festival in Bengal that signifies the beginning of a new year and is celebrated with joy and happiness.

Origin of the Term "Monsoon":
The term "monsoon" originates from Arabic. Here is a detailed explanation:
Definition of Monsoon:
A monsoon is a seasonal wind that brings heavy rainfall to a particular region during a specific time of the year.
Etymology of the Term "Monsoon":
The word "monsoon" is derived from the Arabic word "mausim," which means "season" or "time."
Historical Significance:
1. Arab Traders: The Arab traders were the first to recognize and document the pattern of seasonal winds in the Indian Ocean. They used these winds to navigate their ships and establish trade routes.
2. Influence on Language: The word "mausim" was adopted by various languages that came in contact with Arab traders. This includes Hindi, Malay, and English, among others.
3. Hindi Connection: The Hindi language borrowed the term "mausam" from Arabic and used it to describe the seasonal winds and rainfall patterns. Over time, "mausam" evolved into "monsoon."
4. Spread of the Term: As trade and cultural exchange expanded, the term "monsoon" was adopted by other languages, including English. It is now commonly used worldwide to describe the seasonal winds and rainfall in various regions.
5. Scientific Usage: The term "monsoon" is not limited to describing the weather phenomenon in South Asia. It is also used to refer to similar seasonal winds and rainfall patterns in other parts of the world, such as Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa.
In conclusion, the term "monsoon" originated from the Arabic word "mausim" and was later adopted by various languages, including Hindi and English. It is used to describe the seasonal winds and heavy rainfall that occur in specific regions during a particular time of the year.

The correct answer is D as the months of October-November form a period of transition from the hot rainy season to the dry winter conditions. South-west monsoon winds become weak and start withdrawing. By the beginning of October, the monsoon withdraws from Northern Plains.

The rising temperature in the summer results in low pressure troughs and attracts cyclonic and North West winds which result in rainfall along with thunderstorms in the months of April and May. These are known as Kal Baisakhi or nor-westers.
During this time Odisha, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bangladesh and North-Eastern states of India are affected by violent thunderstorms.

Stations in India experiencing snowfall in winter:

• Srinagar: Srinagar, located in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, experiences snowfall in winter. It is known for its beautiful snow-covered landscapes.

Stations in India not experiencing snowfall in winter:

• Aurangabad: Aurangabad, located in the state of Maharashtra, does not experience snowfall in winter. It has a hot and dry climate.


• Guwahati: Guwahati, located in the state of Assam, does not experience snowfall in winter. It has a humid subtropical climate.


• Ooty: Ooty, located in the state of Tamil Nadu, does not experience snowfall in winter. It has a cool and pleasant climate, but snowfall is rare.

Therefore, out of the given options, only Srinagar experiences snowfall in winter.

The islands receive the very first monsoon showers, progressively from south to north, from the last week of April to the first week of May. The withdrawal takes place progressively from north to south from the first week of December to the first week of January.

In Thiruvananthapuram the monsoons arrive first. The monsoon arrives at the southern tip of the Indian peninsula generally by the first week of June. In Thiruvananthapuram the monsoons arrive first

The word monsoon is derived from a word which literally means which of the following?
The word monsoon is derived from a word that literally means "seasons".
Explanation:
The word "monsoon" has its origins in the Arabic word "mausim," which means "seasons." This term was later adopted by other languages, including English, to describe a specific weather pattern characterized by the seasonal reversal of wind direction. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Definition of monsoon: A monsoon refers to a seasonal wind pattern that brings distinctive weather conditions to a particular region. It is typically associated with heavy rainfall and can have a significant impact on agriculture, economies, and ecosystems.
2. Origin of the word: The word "monsoon" is derived from the Arabic word "mausim," which means "seasons." This term originally referred to the change in seasons and the associated weather patterns.
3. Spread of the term: Over time, the term "mausim" was adopted by various languages, including English, to refer specifically to the seasonal wind patterns that are characteristic of many regions, particularly in Asia and Africa.
4. Importance of monsoons: Monsoons play a crucial role in the climate and geography of affected regions. The seasonal reversal of winds brings moisture-laden air from the ocean, leading to the onset of heavy rainfall. This rainfall is vital for agriculture, as it replenishes water sources and supports the growth of crops.
In conclusion, the word "monsoon" is derived from the Arabic word "mausim," which means "seasons." This term accurately captures the essence of the seasonal wind patterns that characterize monsoons and their significant impact on various aspects of life in affected regions.

The Himalayas
The Himalayas act as a physical barrier that prevents the southwest monsoon winds from escaping from India. Here is a detailed explanation:
- Southwest Monsoon Winds: The southwest monsoon winds are a seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rainfall to India during the summer months. These winds originate over the Indian Ocean and move towards the Indian subcontinent.
- Barrier Effect of the Himalayas: The Himalayas, which are a mountain range in northern India, act as a barrier to the southwest monsoon winds. As the winds approach the Himalayas, they are forced to rise due to the high elevation of the mountains.
- Orographic Effect: The rising air encounters cooler temperatures at higher altitudes, causing it to condense and form clouds. This leads to the formation of heavy rainfall on the windward side of the mountains. As a result, most of the rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon winds is concentrated on the windward side of the Himalayas, while the leeward side experiences a rain shadow effect with less rainfall.
- Preventing Escape: The rising air and heavy rainfall on the windward side of the Himalayas create a low-pressure system over northern India. This low-pressure system acts as a barrier, preventing the southwest monsoon winds from escaping from India. The winds are trapped within the subcontinent, resulting in the widespread distribution of rainfall across the country.
In summary, the Himalayas act as a physical barrier that forces the southwest monsoon winds to rise, leading to heavy rainfall on the windward side and preventing their escape from India.

Reasons why southwest monsoons are rain-bearing winds:

• They blow over warm Indian Ocean and gather moisture: The southwest monsoon winds originate over the Indian Ocean, where they pick up moisture due to the warm temperatures of the ocean. This moisture-laden air is then carried towards the Indian subcontinent, leading to rainfall.

The Origin of North-Easterly Trade Winds
The north-easterly trade winds originate from the Subtropical high pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere. Here is a detailed explanation of why this is the correct answer:
1. Trade Winds: Trade winds are the prevailing winds that blow from east to west between the equator and the subtropical high-pressure belts at about 30 degrees latitude.
2. Pressure Belts: Pressure belts are regions of the Earth's atmosphere where air pressure is relatively high or low. They are caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface.
3. Subtropical High Pressure Belt of the Northern Hemisphere: This pressure belt is located around 30 degrees latitude in the Northern Hemisphere. It is created by the sinking air from the Hadley Cell circulation, which is a global atmospheric circulation pattern.
4. Coriolis Effect: The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, deflects the trade winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere. This deflection causes the north-easterly direction of the trade winds.
5. Origin of North-Easterly Trade Winds: The north-easterly trade winds originate from the subtropical high pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere due to the combined effect of the pressure gradient and the Coriolis effect.
Therefore, the correct answer is B: Subtropical high pressure belt of the Northern Hemisphere.

B is the correct option.the upper circulation in india is jet streams. the upper air circulation in this region is dominated by a westerly flow. an important component of this flow is the jet streams . the jet streams are located approximately over 27-30 north latitude, therefore they are known as subtropical westerly jet streams.

Explanation:

• Southwest monsoon winds: The southwest monsoon winds are responsible for bringing widespread rainfall over the mainland of India. These winds originate over the Indian Ocean and bring moisture-laden air over the subcontinent, resulting in heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.


• Northeasterly winds: These winds generally bring dry weather over most parts of India and are not associated with widespread rainfall.


• Westerlies: The westerlies bring rainfall to the northern parts of India during the winter season but are not the primary source of widespread rainfall over the mainland.


• Sea breeze: Sea breeze is a local wind phenomenon that occurs along coastal areas and does not bring widespread rainfall over the mainland of India.

Atmospheric Conditions Governing Climate and Weather in India:
India's climate and associated weather conditions are influenced by several atmospheric conditions. These include:
1. Pressure and Surface Winds:
- Pressure systems: The pressure systems in the atmosphere, such as the high-pressure area over the Indian Ocean and low-pressure area over the Indian subcontinent, determine the movement of air masses.
- Monsoonal winds: The seasonal reversal of winds, known as the monsoon winds, is a significant factor in Indian weather. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to most parts of India, while the northeast monsoon affects the southeastern coast.
2. Upper Air Circulation:
- Jet streams: The position and intensity of the jet streams, which are high-speed winds in the upper atmosphere, affect the movement of weather systems and the distribution of rainfall in different regions of India.
- Troughs and ridges: The presence of troughs (elongated areas of low pressure) and ridges (elongated areas of high pressure) in the upper-level atmospheric circulation influences the development of weather systems and precipitation patterns.
3. Western Cyclonic Disturbances and Tropical Cyclones:
- Western cyclonic disturbances: These are weather systems that originate in the Mediterranean region and move eastwards, affecting the weather in northern India during the winter months. They bring rainfall and snowfall to the Himalayan region.
- Tropical cyclones: These intense low-pressure systems form over warm ocean waters and can impact coastal regions of India. They bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surge.
Conclusion:
All of the above atmospheric conditions, namely pressure and surface winds, upper air circulation, and the influence of western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones, play a vital role in governing the climate and associated weather conditions in India. These factors interact with each other to determine the temperature, rainfall, and wind patterns experienced in different parts of the country.

The Himalayas prevent the cold winds from Central Asia from entering the subcontinent. It is because of these mountains that this subcontinent experiences comparatively milder winters as compared to central Asia.

Explanation:

• Tropic of Capricorn: This latitude passes through the southern hemisphere, not through the middle of our country. It is located at approximately 23.5 degrees south of the Equator.


• Tropic of Cancer: This latitude passes through the northern hemisphere, not through the middle of our country. It is located at approximately 23.5 degrees north of the Equator.


• Equator: This latitude passes through the middle of the Earth, dividing it into the northern and southern hemispheres. While it does give regions near it a tropical climate, it does not pass through the middle of our country.


• 82°30'N: This latitude is located near the North Pole and does not pass through the middle of our country.


• Therefore, the correct answer is Tropic of Cancer which passes through the middle of our country, giving it the characteristics of both tropical and subtropical climate.