The climate of India is as diverse and complex as the nation itself, showcasing a myriad of meteorological patterns across its vast geographical expanse. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed shores of its peninsular region, India experiences a rich tapestry of climatic conditions. Understanding the nuances of India’s climate is essential not only for geographical comprehension but also for myriad aspects of human life, from agriculture to urban planning. In this set of UPSC NCERT notes on Geography, we delve into the intricacies of India’s climate, exploring the factors shaping its various climatic zones and the profound impacts they have on the country’s ecosystems, economy, and society.
Introduction
- Climate serves as a comprehensive measure of the long-term average pattern of variation in meteorological variables such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind, precipitation, and atmospheric particle count over an extended period, typically spanning 35 years.
- For the most part, the country experiences a tropical climate characterized by a blend of wet and dry tropical conditions in the interior. The northern regions exhibit a humid tropical climate, while the western coast features wet tropical areas.
Difference between Weather and Climate
- Weather pertains to the instantaneous state of the atmosphere in a specific region, while climate encompasses the overall sum of weather conditions and variations across a broad area over an extended duration.
- India’s climate is identified as monsoon-type, with the Tropic of Cancer passing through its central part. Consequently, the northern section lies within the sub-tropical and temperate zones, while the region south of the Tropic of Cancer falls within the tropical zone.
- The climatic conditions across the country exhibit noticeable regional variations, ranging from the frigid temperatures of the Northern Himalayan belt to the scorching heat of the Rajasthan desert and the moderate, equable climate along the coastal areas.
- Several regional variations in temperature, winds, and rainfall are evident:
- Temperature: Summer temperatures occasionally soar to 55°C in Western Rajasthan, while winter temperatures around Drass can plummet to as low as -60°C. Coastal areas generally experience less contrast in temperature conditions, with more significant seasonal variations in the interior of the country. Some places witness substantial differences between day and night temperatures, such as the Thar desert experiencing daytime temperatures of up to 50°C and near-freezing temperatures at night. In contrast, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and coastal regions show minimal variation (approximately 7 to 8°C) between day and night temperatures.
- Winds: Annual precipitation in Meghalaya surpasses 1150 cm, while it remains below 10 cm in the Rajasthan desert and the North-Western Himalayas, including the Ladakh region in Jammu and Kashmir and Western Rajasthan.
- Rainfall: Most parts of the country receive rainfall from June to September, with Tamil Nadu coasts receiving most of their rains during autumn and early winter. While Western disturbances bring winter rainfall to the Northern part of the country, Tamil Nadu experiences rain due to the North-East monsoons.
- There is a decrease in rainfall generally from East to West in the Northern plains. In some parts of the country, precipitation occurs as snowfall, while in most areas, it takes the form of rainfall.
Factors Influencing Indian Climate
Various factors influencing the Indian climate include:
- Location and Latitudinal Extent: The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country, resulting in high temperatures throughout the year in the Southern parts, which are closer to the Equator. The Northern parts, lying in the warm temperate zone, experience lower temperatures, particularly in winter.
- Distance From the Sea: India is surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in the East, the Arabian Sea in the West, and the Indian Ocean to the South.
- Northern Mountain Ranges: These ranges protect India from the cold and dry winds of Central Asia during winter and act as a barrier for the rain-bearing Southwest monsoon winds.
- Physiography: The physical features influence air temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind direction, and rainfall in different parts of the country.
- Monsoon Winds: The reversal in wind direction brings about a sudden change in seasons, transitioning from the harsh summer to the eagerly awaited monsoon season, defining India’s monsoon climate.
- Western Disturbances and Tropical Cyclones: Western disturbances, influenced by Westerly jet streams from the Mediterranean Sea, affect winter weather conditions in most Northern plains and the Western Himalayan region. Tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal influence weather conditions during Southwest monsoons and the retreating monsoon season along the Eastern coast.
- Southern Oscillation: Southern oscillation denotes an irregular periodic fluctuation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean, influencing the climate across much of the tropics and sub-tropics. In recent times, a shift in pressure conditions has occurred, resulting in lower pressure in the Eastern Pacific compared to the Eastern Indian Ocean.
- El-Nino Effect: El-Nino is a warm current originating along the Peru coast in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. This phenomenon significantly impacts weather conditions in India, leading to widespread floods and droughts in tropical regions worldwide. The warming of tropical Pacific waters alters the global pattern of pressure and wind systems, weakening monsoon circulation in the Indian Ocean and causing reduced rainfall in India. The severe drought of 1987 in India is attributed to El Nino.
- La-Nina Effect: La-Nina events signify periods of below-average sea surface temperatures across the East-Central Equatorial Pacific. This occurrence increases the pressure gradient, strengthens the monsoon, and results in heavy rainfall.
Theories Related to the Origin of Indian Monsoon
Various theories have been proposed regarding the origin of the Indian monsoon, including:
- The Thermal Concept (Classical Theory) by Halley (1686): Edmond Halley proposed that the monsoon is an extensive land breeze and sea breeze on a large scale, driven by the differential heating of continents and ocean basins.
- During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season, the intense heating of Asia creates a low-pressure center, attracting moist air from the ocean to the land, resulting in condensation and precipitation. However, this concept faces challenges in explaining the sudden onset and withdrawal of the Indian monsoon and its weaker phases.
- The Dynamic Concept by Flohn (The Equatorial Westerlies Theory): Flohn, in 1951, introduced the dynamic concept, challenging the thermal concept. According to this theory, the monsoon is a consequence of the seasonal migration of planetary winds and pressure belts.
- Equatorial Westerlies are established within the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, characterized by the convergence of North-East and South-East trade winds near the Equator. The concept emphasizes the role of the belt of doldrums and the Equatorial Westerlies in the formation of the monsoon.
- The Equatorial Westerlies transform into southwest or summer monsoons as the Earth’s rotation causes the Southern Hemisphere trade winds to veer to the right due to the Coriolis effect.
- The Northern Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (NITCZ) corresponds to numerous atmospheric storms (cyclones), resulting in substantial rainfall during the wet monsoon months from July to September.
- During the winter solstice, the Southward movement of the Sun causes the withdrawal of the Northern Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (NITCZ) from South and Southeast Asia, allowing the North-East trade winds to resume their normal position. These North-East trade winds become the winter monsoons, originating over land and typically dry without significant rainfall.
Jet Stream Theory
- The Jet Stream theory examines a narrow band of high-altitude Westerly winds in the troposphere, with speeds ranging from 110 km/h in summer to 184 km/h in winter. This atmospheric system acts as a cover over the Earth, influencing lower atmospheric weather conditions. The impact of jet streams on weather includes:
- Well-defined peaks and troughs in jet streams
- Peaks occur when the warm air mass pushes against the cold air mass, while troughs form when the cold air mass descends into the warm air mass.
- Low-pressure areas are created below troughs, leading to cyclonic conditions, while high-pressure areas occur beneath peaks, resulting in anticyclonic conditions.
- Jet streams originate from these peaks and troughs.
- The winds exiting the Jet Streams diverge rapidly, inducing low pressure in the upper atmosphere. This creates conditions for surrounding winds to rush inward. The Coriolis effect causes cyclonic rotation, leading to depression, while rapidly converging winds create diverging wind conditions on the Earth’s surface.
Indian Ocean Dipole and Indian Monsoon
- The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), also known as Indian Nino, is an irregular oscillation of sea-surface temperature, alternating between the Western and Eastern parts of the Indian Ocean. It has two types:
- Positive Indian Ocean Dipole: During the positive IOD, the Eastern Equatorial Indian Ocean off Sumatra in Indonesia becomes colder than usual, while the Western tropical part of the Indian Ocean near the African coast becomes unusually warm, benefiting the monsoon.
- Negative Indian Ocean Dipole: In this case, the opposite occurs, hindering the progression of the monsoon over India.
Seasons of India
- India’s climate is primarily classified into four seasons:
Spring Season (Vasant Ritu)
- The spring season spans March and April, corresponding to the Hindu calendar months of Chaitra and Baisakh, respectively.
- Begins after winter and continues until the onset of summer. Days lengthen, nights shorten, and trees shed their leaves while new leaves emerge.
Autumn (Sharad Ritu):
- Occurs in September and October. The warm weather diminishes, and leaves fall from trees, marking the fall season. The sky clears, allowing a prominent view of the Moon.
Summer Season:
- Temperatures rise across the country in March, reaching 30 to 35°C by April as the Sun shifts toward the Tropic of Cancer. Central India experiences hot weather, with daytime temperatures reaching around 40°C.
- Regions like Gujarat, North Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and North Madhya Pradesh witness high daytime and low nighttime temperatures.
- Maximum temperatures sharply exceed 45°C in late May and early June, resulting in harsh summers in the North and North-West. Coastal areas experience milder weather due to the influence of land and sea breezes. South India maintains a relatively mild climate due to its peninsular location, benefiting from surrounding water bodies that mitigate extreme climatic conditions.
- The season is characterized by cyclonic storms, and intense low-pressure systems over the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, moving in a northerly or north-easterly path. Storms originating in the Bay of Bengal are more frequent. On average, there are about 7.4 such storms per year. Thunderstorms with rain and occasional hail impact land areas during this season.
Local Winds of Hot Weather Season:
- Mango Showers: Pre-monsoon showers aiding early ripening of mangoes in Kerala and coastal Karnataka.
- Cherry Blossom: Rain caused by a lightning storm leading to coffee flowers blossoming in Kerala and nearby regions.
- Kalbaisakhi: Evening thunderstorms in West Bengal and Assam, crucial for tea, jute, and rice cultivation.
- Loo: Hot, dry winds with dust blowing over the plains of North-West India in May and June.
South-West Monsoon Season (Rainy):
- Onset starts over the Kerala coast around June 1, advancing along the Konkan coast in early June, covering the entire country by mid-July. The onset occurs about a week earlier over Bay of Bengal islands.
- Significant temperature drop with more uniform night temperatures than daytime temperatures.
Branches of South-West Monsoon Season:
- Beyond South Kerala, monsoon winds split into two branches.
- The Arabian Sea branch gradually moves northward, while the Bay of Bengal branch swiftly spreads across most of Assam.
- The Bay of Bengal branch is diverted westward by the Himalayan barrier as it approaches the foothills, advancing up the Gangetic plain.
- The two branches converge to form a single current, predominantly around Delhi.
- The Arabian Sea branch is more potent than the Bay of Bengal branch due to the Arabian Sea’s larger size. The entire Arabian Sea current advances towards India, while only a part of the Bay of Bengal current enters the country.
Break in the South-West Monsoon:
- During the monsoon season, there are periods when the monsoon trough shifts to the Himalayan foothills, resulting in a sharp decrease in rainfall over most parts of the country but an increase along the Himalayas, North-East India, and the Southern Peninsula.
- In July and August, there are intervals when the monsoons weaken, known as the monsoon break. These breaks typically occur during the second week of August and last for about a week.
Retreating/North-East Monsoon Season:
- The North-East monsoon, or post-monsoon season, is a transitional season linked to the establishment of the North-Easterly wind regime over the Indian subcontinent.
- It commences with the withdrawal of the South-West monsoon (mid-September to November) and lasts until early January.
- Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the South interior of Karnataka receive a significant amount of rainfall, constituting about 35% of their annual total during these months.
- The monsoon retreats from North to South in India, following the Southward shift of low pressure prompted by the Sun’s movement. This wind gathers moisture from the Bay of Bengal and pours over Tamil Nadu and adjacent areas. The highest cyclone frequency occurs in October and the first half of November.
Retreating/Post Monsoon Season:
- As the Sun shifts southward in October-November, the low-pressure trough over the Northern plains weakens.
- It is gradually replaced by a high-pressure system.
- The South-West monsoon winds withdraw, becoming weaker.
- The monsoon withdraws from the Northern plains by early October, and dry winter conditions prevail by the end of November.
- The months of October-November mark a transition from the hot rainy season to dry winter conditions.
- Due to high temperature and humidity, the weather becomes oppressive during the daytime, known as October heat. In the second half of October, temperatures begin to fall rapidly in Northern India
Winter Season:
- Starting in late November, it is characterized by clear skies, pleasant weather, light northerly winds, low humidity, and significant daytime temperature variations.
- A cold air mass extending from the Siberian region, the proximity to the Caspian Sea, and the presence of the Himalayas profoundly influence the Indian subcontinent, particularly the North and most of Central India during these months.
- Mean air temperatures generally increase from North to South, ranging from 14°C to 27°C in January. Rains during this season mainly occur over the Western Himalayas, the extreme North-Eastern parts of Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- Western disturbances and associated troughs in the westerlies are the primary rain-bearing systems in Northern and Eastern parts of the country. Dras is India’s coldest place in winters.
Monsoon
- Monsoon, derived from mausim, is essentially the reversal of winds. In winter, the wind blows from land to sea for six months, and during the summer season, for the subsequent six months, it blows from sea to land. The monsoon is a seasonal phenomenon, and the crucial rainfall occurs between mid-June and September. It serves as a lifeline for Indian agriculture, supporting the entire population of the country.
- The nature of the monsoon winds can be understood by examining the surface distribution of pressure in different regions of India during winter and summer seasons.
Winter Monsoon:
- During winter, weather conditions are generally influenced by the high-pressure area developed over the north-western part of the subcontinent.
- This leads to the blowing of cold, dry winds from these regions towards southern low-pressure areas over water bodies surrounding peninsular India. Since these winds are cold and dry, they do not cause rainfall, and the weather conditions under their influence remain cold and dry. However, as these North-East monsoon winds pass over the Bay of Bengal, they collect moisture and bring rain along the Coromandel coast.
Summer Monsoon:
- In summer, the north-western parts of India become very hot due to high temperatures attributed to the apparent shift of the Sun in the Northern hemisphere.
- This results in the reversal of pressure conditions not only in north-western India but also on water bodies surrounding the peninsula. As a result, North-East trade winds are replaced by South-West monsoon winds. Since these winds are sea-bearing and blow over warm water bodies before reaching land, they are moisture-laden, causing widespread rain over most parts of India. This period of the South-West monsoon from June to September is known as the rainy season for most parts of the country.
Jet Streams:
- Jet streams are strong flowing masses of air that circulate high up in the Earth’s atmosphere, at the level of the tropopause (between the troposphere and the stratosphere).
- They circulate from west to east due to the Earth’s rotation and can range from 40 km in width to 2 to 3 km in depth. They are influenced by landmasses and the Coriolis effect.
- Changes in the upper air circulation over the Indian landmass are another cause for the sudden outbreak of monsoons in India. Jet streams in the upper air system influence India’s climate in various ways.
Westerly Jet Stream and its Impact:
- During winter, at about 8 km above sea level, a Westerly jet stream blows at a high speed over the subtropical zone. The Himalayan ranges bifurcate this jet stream.
- The Northern branch blows along the Northern edge of this barrier, and the Southern branch blows Eastwards south of the Himalayan ranges along 25° N latitude.
- Meteorologists believe that this branch of the jet stream significantly influences winter weather conditions in India, bringing Western disturbances from the Mediterranean region into the Indian subcontinent.
- Winter rain, hail storms in the northwestern plains, and occasional heavy snowfall in hilly regions are caused by these Western disturbances, followed by cold waves in the entire northern plains.
Easterly Jet Stream and its Influence:
- During summer, the apparent shift of the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere leads to a reversal in upper air circulation.
- The Westerly stream is replaced by an Easterly jet stream originating from the heating of the Tibetan plateau.
- Easterly cold jet streams, centered around 15°N latitude, blow over peninsular India, contributing to the sudden onset of the South-West monsoon.
Rainfall Distribution in India:
- The distribution of rainfall in India exhibits significant regional variations. Although the average annual rainfall is about 125 cm, there are considerable spatial differences.
- The highest rainfall occurs along the West coast, on the Western Ghats, and in the sub-Himalayan areas in the North-East and the hills of Meghalaya (Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo).
- While the Southern part of the Meghalayan plateau receives more than 1000 cm, its Northern frontier along with the Brahmaputra valley gets less than 200 cm of rainfall.
- Areas in Southern Gujarat, the North-East peninsular region covering Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Eastern Madhya Pradesh receive a moderate amount between 100 cm to 200 cm.
- The Western part of Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) is one of the driest parts of the world, receiving only about 9 cm of rainfall. Total rainfall generally increases Eastwards and with height.
- The larger part of the Gangetic plain and the central uplands receive a moderate amount of rainfall. However, parts of Punjab-Haryana, Kutch (Kachchh), and the Kathiawar region of Gujarat experience rainfall below 60 cm.
- A narrow strip of land on the lee side of the Sahyadris lies in the rain shadow area and receives below 60 cm of rainfall.
Reason Behind the Formation of Thar Desert:
- The Thar Desert experiences the Arabian sea monsoon from July to September, characterized by a humid air stream but the absence of a Rain Generating Weather System.
- The monsoon circulation features ascent over North-East India and subsidence over North-West India. This subsidence pattern is responsible for the formation of desert conditions in Rajasthan.
- The arid region of Rajasthan has a deep and dense layer of dust transported from the Arabian desert, resulting in net cooling over the region.
- This cooling promotes subsidence and the formation of an inversion layer, preventing vertical ascent and hindering rain formation despite the presence of moisture-laden air.
Climatic Regions of India:
- India’s climate is of the tropical monsoon type, but due to its large size, topographical contrasts, sea impact, and shifting pressure and wind belts, there are cumulative impacts on climatic elements, leading to variations and creating climatic diversity at the sub-regional level.
- Koeppen’s classification, widely used in India for its simplicity, divides the country into five broad climatic zones: A (Tropical), B (Dry), C (Temperate), D (Continental), E (Polar).
- These zones are further sub-divided into sub-types based on seasonal variations in the distribution pattern of rainfall, native vegetation, and temperature.
- India can be divided into various climatic regions based on Koeppen’s scheme.
Climatic Regions of India based on Koeppen’s Scheme
The climatic regions of India based on Koeppen’s classification are as follows
Tropical Savanna Type (Aw)
- This is the climate associated with tropical Savanna grasslands and monsoon deciduous vegetation. May is the hottest month and the temperature of the coldest month is more than 18°C. Rainfall is seasonal with winter, dry and the range of temperature is high.
- Such a type of climate is found in major parts of peninsular India including Southern West Bengal and Bihar. The annual rainfall is around 75 cm.
Monsoon Type with Short Dry Winter Season (Amw)
- It has a short winter dry season. The rainfall is heavy leading to the growth of evergreen rain forests.
- It occupies parts of Southern Konkan, Malabar coas, adjoining Western ghats, Tamil Nadu plateau and Southern areas of Tripura and Mizoram.
- There is more than 300 cm rainfall in summer from South-West monsoon.
Monsoon Type with Dry Season in Summers (As):
- Characterized by a dry summer season, with about 75% of rainfall occurring from September to December.
- Occupies a narrow zone along the Coromandel coast, with winter rainfall ranging from 75 to 100 cm.
Steppe Climate (BSHW):
Typically features a semi-arid or continental climate.
- The mean annual temperature exceeds 18°C, and rainfall is seasonal, occurring in summer.
- The rainfall in the rainiest month is approximately ten times higher than that in the driest month.
- Covers the rain shadow zone of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Eastern Rajasthan, and some parts of Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana, with an average annual rainfall of 12 to 25 cm.
Hot Desert Type with Dry Winter (BWhw):
- Characterized by arid conditions, high temperatures (maximum in June), scanty rainfall, and a wide temperature range.
- Prevails in the Western parts of Rajasthan, including the Thar desert (districts of Jaisalmer, Barmer, and Bikaner), with an average annual rainfall of less than 12 cm.
Monsoon Type with Dry Winter (Cwg):
- Features a winter dry climate, where the rainfall in the rainiest month is ten times that in the driest month.
- The average temperature of the coldest month is below 18°C, while the average temperature of the warmest month is above 10°C.
- Represents the Gangetic temperature regime, covering the great plains of India, Eastern Rajasthan, Assam, and the Malwa plateau, with an average annual rainfall between 100 to 200 cm.
Cold Humid Winter Type (Dfc):
- Characterized by a short summer and cold, humid winter.
- The average temperature of the coldest month is below 3°C, while the average temperature of the warmest month is above 10°C.
- Encompasses Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Assam, with an average annual rainfall of around 200 cm.
Tundra Type (ET):
- Includes mountainous areas of Uttarakhand, with an average temperature ranging from 0° to 10°C.
- Precipitation occurs in the form of snow during winters.
Polar or Mountain Type (E):
- Extends over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
- Summer temperatures are less than 10°C, and precipitation occurs in the form of snow.
Prelims Facts
- Vegetation is the true index of climate’ is a statement of – Koppen [UKPSC (Pre) 2022]
- Which climate test in the fringe of Alastesarbe is the date of the Western fringe of Rajasthan? – Bwhw [RAS/RTS (Pre) 2020]
- Koppen has used which worth for the climate of great plains of India – Cwg IUKPSC (Pre) 2022]
- In which part of Madhya Pradesh annual variation in temperature is maximum? – Northern IMPPSC (Pre) 2021
- As per Koppen’s classification of climate, the suitable description of North-East India is a humid subtropical climate with dry winter IUKPSC (Pre) 2016]
- In which state does the monsoon arrive first? – Kerala [UPPSC (Pre) 2000]
- On which convergence zone, the advancement and retreat of monsoon-dependent – Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone IMPSC (Pre) 2017]
- ENino current which affects the Indian monsoon originates at – Pacific Ocean of Peruvian Coast IMPSC (Pre) 2015]
- What percentage of total rain in India is caused by South-West monsoon – 86% [Nagaland PSC (Pre) 2016]
- Normal onset of monsoon is completed by which month? – 15th July [Nagaland PSC (Pre) 2014]
- Which place has the lowest rainfall during the South – West monsoon- Chennai [UPPSC (Pre) 2016]
- High temperatures and low pressure over the Indian subcontinent during the summer season results in – South-West Monsoon [IAS (Pre) 1996]
- Which State of India experiences the maximum annual variation of rainfall – Rajasthan [WBCS (Pre) 2017]
- Which agro-climate zones of Chhattisgarh receives the lowest rainfall? – Plain of Chhattisgarh ICGPSC (Pre) 2021]
- Which coastal region in India receives rainfall from North -Eastern Monsoon? – Coromantel Coast [PSC (Pre) 2021]
- The summer monsoon normally arrives in the South Bengal during? – 5th – 10th June [WBCS (Pre) 2017]
- The General direction of flow of summer monsoon in India is – From South-West to North-East IKPSC (Pre) 2006, MPPSC (Pre) 2012]
- The term ‘Mango Shower ‘ refers to – Rainfall in March-April in Bihar and Bengal [BPSC (Pre) 1994, MPSC (Pre) 2013]
- The winter rains caused by Western disturbance in North Western plain of India gradually decreases from – West to East [UPPSC (Pre) 2019]
- ‘Mahawat’ refers to the small amount of winter rainfall that occurs due to – Western Disturbances [RAS/RTS (Pre) 2015]
UPSC NCERT Practice Questions
1. In which part of Madhya Pradesh, the annual variation in temperature is maximum? MPPSC (Pre) 2021
(a) Eastern
(b) Western
(c) Northern
(d) Southern
2. Which situation is responsible for the monsoon winds in India MPSC (Pre) 2020
1. Extensive land area
2. Sea lies on three sides of India
3. Existence of jet stream in 30° to 40° latitude belt
Codes
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) 1 and 2
(d) All of these
3. Assertion (A) Agra and Darjeeling are located on the same latitude but temperature of January in Agra is 16° C, whereas it is only 4° C in Darjeeling.
Reason (R) Temperature decreases with height and due to thin air, places in the mountains are cooler than places in the plains. UPPSC (Pre) 2022
Codes
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true, but R is false.
(d) A is false, but Ris true.
4. Read the following statements carefully and choose the correct answer CGPSC (Pre) 2021
1. Chattisgarh gets most of the rainfall from
South-East monsoon winds.
2. Major part of Chhattisgarh lies in temperate zone.
3. Distribution of temperature in Chhattisgarh is mainly affected by nearness of ocean and altitude from sea level.
Codes
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All of these
5. The average rainfall in india is about cm. MPPSC (Pre) 2016
(a) 127.2
(b) 119.4
(c) 137.8
(d) 125.7
6. The highest rainfall in India occurs in MPPSC (Pre) 2010
(a) Western ghats, Himalayan region and Meghalaya
(b) Madhya Pradesh and Bihar
(c) Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab
(d) Andhra Pradesh and Vidarbha
7. Choose from the following statements which is not related to origin of Indian monsoon. MPSC (Pre) 2016
(a) The location and extent of Himalayas and plateau of Tibet.
(b) Forest cover in peninsular India.
(c) Upper air circulation of jet stream wind in atmosphere.
(d) Differential heating and cooling of huge land masses of Asia and India.
8. El-Nino current which affects the Indian monsoon originates at MPSC (Pre) 2015
(a) Pacific ocean of Peruvian coast
(b) Atlantic ocean of Peruvian coast
(c) Western part of Pacific ocean
(d) Central part of Indian ocean
9. The summer monsoon normally arrives in the South Bengal during WBCS (Pre) 2017
(a) 1st to 5th June
(b) 5th to 10th June
(c) 10th to 15th June
(d) 15th to 20th June
10. The general direction of flow of summer monsoon in India is UKPSC (Pre) 2006, MPPSC (Pre) 2012
(a) from South to North
(b) from South-West to South-East
(c) from South-East to South-West
(d) from South-West to North-East
11. Which wind causes rainfall in Chhattisgath?
(a) North-West monsoon
(b) South-West monsoon
(c) North-East monsoon
(d) South-East monsoon
12. Which of the following regions is not affected much by the Arabian sea branch of monsoon? CGPSC (Pre) 2016
(a) The Western ghats
(b) Deccan plateau
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Chhattisgarh basin
13. The winter rains caused by Western disturbance in North Western plain of India gradually decreases from UPPSC (Pre) 2019
(a) East to West
(b) West to East
(c) North to South
(d) South to North
14. In Chhattisgarh region, the wind blowing in summer season is called CGPSC (Pre) 202
(a) Chinook
(b) Sirocco
(c) Cyclone
(d) Loo
15. Which of the following coastal regions in India, receives rainfall from North-Eastern monsoon?
(a) Gujarat coast
(b) Coromandel coast
(c) Konkan coast
(d) Malabar coast
16. Which of the following statements) is/are correct? MPSC (Pre) 2017
1. The advancement and retreat of monsoon is dependent on the seasonal shifting of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone.
2. The Westerly jet streams blowing at an altitude km from the surface in Western Asia affect the monsoon.
Codes
(a) Only 1
(b) Only 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
17. Who made the following statement ‘Vegetati the true index of climate’?
(a) Koeppen
(b) Stamp
(c) Thornthwaite
(d) Koteswaram
18. Koeppen has used which of the following w for the climate of great plains of India?
(a) Amw
(b) As
(c) Cwg
(d) Aw
Right Know Answer
1 (c)
2 (d)
3 (a)
4 (b)
5 (d)
6 (a)
7 (b)
8 (a)
9 (b)
10 (d)
11 (b)
12 (d)
13 (b)
14 (d)
15 (b)
16 (a)
17 (a)
18 (c)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Q: Why is understanding the climate of India important for UPSC exams?
A: The climate of India plays a crucial role in shaping its diverse geography and influences various aspects of the country, such as agriculture, economy, and culture. UPSC often includes questions related to India’s climate in both the Preliminary and Mains exams, making it essential for aspirants to have a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
2. Q: What are the main factors influencing the climate of India according to NCERT notes?
A: According to NCERT notes, the main factors influencing the climate of India include latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, and the presence of mountain ranges. These factors collectively contribute to the variations in temperature, precipitation, and other climatic conditions across different regions of the country.
3. Q: How does the monsoon impact the climate of India, and why is it significant?
A: The monsoon, characterized by seasonal wind patterns, significantly influences the climate of India. The Southwest Monsoon, in particular, brings the majority of India’s annual rainfall. Understanding the monsoon is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it has a profound impact on agriculture, water resources, and the overall economy of the country.
4. Q: What role do regional variations in climate play in India’s biodiversity?
A: India’s diverse climate, ranging from tropical to alpine, contributes to a rich biodiversity. Different regions support varied ecosystems and wildlife. UPSC may ask questions related to how climate influences the distribution of flora and fauna in different parts of India, making it essential for aspirants to grasp these concepts.
5. Q: How can aspirants effectively use NCERT notes to prepare for UPSC Geography – Climate of India?
A: NCERT notes provide a solid foundation for understanding the basics of India’s climate. Aspirants should start by thoroughly reading and comprehending the NCERT textbooks on Geography. Additionally, they should supplement their studies with current affairs related to climate change, government policies, and international agreements. Practice solving previous years’ UPSC questions related to the climate of India to enhance their preparation.
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