10 Hard Short-Answer Questions with Answers
1. What does the term 'monsoon' mean, and where does it originate?
o 'Monsoon' originates from the Arabic word 'mausim,' meaning season. It refers to
the seasonal reversal of wind direction.
2. What type of climate does India have?
o India has a monsoon type of climate characterized by seasonal changes in
temperature and precipitation.
3. What is the main cause of variation in the climate of India?
o India's climate varies due to factors such as latitude, altitude, distance from the
sea, pressure and wind systems, ocean currents, and relief features.
4. Why do the western margins of continents often host deserts?
o Deserts are found on the western margins due to offshore winds and the influence
of cold ocean currents, which reduce moisture in the air.
5. What is the significance of the Tropic of Cancer in India’s climate?
o The Tropic of Cancer divides India into tropical and subtropical zones, resulting
in a mix of tropical and subtropical climatic characteristics.
6. Which region in India receives the highest annual rainfall?
o Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest annual rainfall, over 400 cm.
7. Why does Tamil Nadu receive most of its rainfall during the winter season?
o Tamil Nadu receives rainfall during winter because of the northeast trade winds
blowing from the Bay of Bengal.
8. What are 'Loo' winds, and where are they commonly found?
o Loo winds are strong, gusty, hot, and dry winds common in northern and
northwestern India during the summer.
9. What causes the 'breaks' in monsoon rainfall in India?
o Breaks in monsoon rainfall are caused by the shifting axis of the monsoon trough
and its impact on rainfall distribution.
10. What role do the Himalayas play in shaping India's climate?
The Himalayas act as a barrier, preventing cold winds from Central Asia from entering
India, which keeps winters relatively mild.
10 Hard Long-Answer Questions with Answers
1. Explain how latitude and altitude affect the climate of India.
o Latitude determines the amount of solar energy received, with tropical areas being
warmer. Altitude affects temperature; higher altitudes have cooler temperatures
due to lower air density. For instance, the Himalayas remain snow-covered, while
the plains have hot summers.
2. What is the monsoon mechanism in India?
o The monsoon mechanism involves the reversal of wind direction due to the
differential heating of land and sea. The low-pressure system in northern India
attracts moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, causing rainfall.
3. Describe the regional variations in India's climate with examples.
o India experiences varied climates: Rajasthan has arid deserts with extreme
temperatures, while Meghalaya has heavy rainfall. Coastal areas like Kerala
experience equable temperatures, whereas the Himalayas have snow-covered
peaks.
4. How does relief influence rainfall in India?
o Relief affects rainfall by determining wind patterns. For example, the Western
Ghats receive heavy rainfall on the windward side, while the leeward side remains
dry.
5. What are the characteristics of the cold weather season in India?
o The cold weather season lasts from November to February. Temperatures drop,
especially in northern India. Frost is common, and clear skies with low humidity
prevail. Cyclonic disturbances cause winter rains, benefiting rabi crops.
6. What are the features of the advancing monsoon in India?
o Advancing monsoon occurs in June, bringing widespread rainfall due to
southwest winds. Regions like the Western Ghats and Meghalaya receive heavy
rain, while the Deccan Plateau gets moderate rain.
7. Why is the monsoon considered a unifying bond in India?
o Monsoons influence agriculture, festivals, and livelihoods, linking diverse
regions. They provide water for farming and unite India’s climatic conditions.
8. What are the effects of 'October heat' during the retreating monsoon?
o October heat refers to high temperatures and humidity due to the moisture-laden
land during the retreating monsoon. It causes discomfort and occasional cyclones.
9. What factors cause the variability of rainfall in India?
o Rainfall variability is influenced by the monsoon trough’s position, cyclonic
depressions, and the presence of barriers like mountains. This leads to floods in
some areas and droughts in others.
10. Discuss the impact of the monsoon on Indian agriculture.
Monsoons are critical for agriculture, as most crops depend on rainfall. Uneven or
delayed rainfall affects sowing and harvesting, leading to food insecurity in drought-
prone areas.
5 Very Long-Answer Questions with Answers
1. Discuss the factors affecting India’s climate and their combined effects.
Factors: Latitude, altitude, ocean currents, distance from the sea, pressure systems, and
relief features.
Effects: The northern plains have extreme weather due to continentality, while coastal
regions like Kerala enjoy moderate climates. Mountains like the Himalayas shield India
from cold winds, and ocean currents moderate temperatures in peninsular India.
2. Explain the seasonal cycle of the Indian monsoon.
o India experiences four main seasons:
Cold Season: Characterized by clear skies and low temperatures.
Hot Season: Rising temperatures and low pressure cause pre-monsoon showers.
Advancing Monsoon: Moist winds bring rainfall across India.
Retreating Monsoon: Monsoons withdraw, bringing cyclonic rains to the eastern
coast.
3. Analyze the regional differences in precipitation across India.
o High Rainfall: Meghalaya (400+ cm) due to windward positioning of hills.
o Low Rainfall: Rajasthan (<10 cm) due to its location in a rain shadow area.
o Coastal regions like Tamil Nadu experience winter rainfall, while most of India
gets rain during the southwest monsoon.
4. What are the challenges posed by the variability of the monsoon?
o Monsoon variability causes floods, droughts, and disruptions in agriculture.
Unpredictable rain patterns lead to water scarcity and affect hydropower
generation. Farmers face difficulties in scheduling crop cycles, impacting the
economy.
5. Evaluate the importance of the monsoon for India's economy and society.
o Monsoons drive agriculture, contributing to over 50% of India’s GDP. They
influence water resources, power generation, and food security. Socially, festivals
and traditions revolve around monsoons. However, unpredictable patterns create
challenges like migration and economic instability.
