Climate – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class: CBSE Class 9
Subject: Social Science — Geography
Chapter: 4 — Climate
Geography: Contemporary India – I — Chapter 4: Climate
50 very short answer-type questions (topic-wise) with clear answers — NCERT-aligned for CBSE Class 9 exam revision.
CBSE Board Focus
- Quick factual recall on definitions and key factors
- Short explanations of seasons &rainfall distribution
- Monsoon importance in one- or two-line answers
Content Bank — Topic-wise Questions
Topics: Concept of Climate | Climatic Controls | Latitude | Altitude | Pressure & Winds | Seasons | Distribution of Rainfall | Monsoon as a Unifying Bond
Concept of Climate (Q1–Q6)
Q1.
What is climate?
Climate is the average pattern of weather observed over a long period (usually 30 years) in a region.
Q2.
How is climate different from weather?
Weather is the short-term state of the atmosphere; climate is long-term average of weather.
Q3.
What period is usually used to define climate?
A period of about 30 years is commonly used to define climate.
Q4.
Name one climatic parameter.
Temperature (also rainfall, humidity, wind, pressure).
Q5.
Why study climate in geography?
To understand long-term weather patterns that influence vegetation, agriculture and human activities.
Q6.
What does 'tropical climate' imply?
A climate with high temperatures year-round, usually found near the equator.
Climatic Controls (Q7–Q13)
Q7.
What are climatic controls?
Factors that determine the climate of a region, such as latitude, altitude, pressure and winds.
Q8.
Name two climatic controls.
Latitude and altitude (also pressure, winds, distance from sea).
Q9.
How does distance from the sea affect climate?
Coastal areas have milder climates due to maritime influence; interiors have more extreme temperatures.
Q10.
What role do mountains play in climate?
Mountains cause orographic rainfall on windward sides and create rain-shadow areas on leeward sides.
Q11.
Why is the Indian Ocean important for India’s climate?
It supplies moisture for monsoon winds and moderates temperatures of coastal regions.
Q12.
What is the main climatic control for India?
The monsoon system (pressure and wind patterns) is the main control.
Q13.
Define 'orographic rainfall' in brief.
Rainfall caused when moist air rises over mountains and cools, causing condensation and rain.
Latitude (Q14–Q18)
Q14.
How does latitude affect temperature?
Regions nearer the equator receive more direct sunlight and are generally warmer.
Q15.
What is India’s latitudinal extent?
About 8°N to 37°N approximately.
Q16.
Why do northern parts of India have more seasonal variation?
Higher latitudes receive less direct sunlight in winter, causing greater temperature variation.
Q17.
Does latitude affect rainfall directly?
Indirectly — latitude influences temperature and pressure patterns that affect rainfall.
Q18.
Which part of India is closest to the equator?
The southern tip (parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala) is closest to the equator.
Altitude (Q19–Q22)
Q19.
What happens to temperature with increasing altitude?
Temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude (approx. 6.5°C per 1000 m).
Q20.
Why do hill stations feel cooler?
Because of higher altitude which leads to lower temperatures compared to plains.
Q21.
How does altitude affect rainfall?
Mountains can force moist air to rise, causing orographic rainfall on windward slopes.
Q22.
Give an example of altitude influencing climate in India.
The Himalayas have cold climates and snowfall due to high altitude.
Pressure & Winds (Q23–Q29)
Q23.
What causes wind?
Winds are caused by air moving from high-pressure to low-pressure areas.
Q24.
What is the monsoon?
A seasonal reversal of winds accompanied by changes in rainfall patterns.
Q25.
Which wind blows during the Indian summer monsoon?
The southwest monsoon (from Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal towards India).
Q26.
Which wind predominates in winter over India?
The northeast trade winds (dry winds from land towards the sea).
Q27.
Why does a low-pressure area develop over NW India in summer?
Due to intense heating of the land, creating uplift and low pressure that draws moist air.
Q28.
What is 'ITCZ' in one line?
Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone — a belt near the equator where trade winds converge, affecting rainfall.
Q29.
How do pressure belts influence monsoon?
Shift in pressure belts changes wind direction, bringing moisture-laden winds over India during summer.
Seasons of India (Q30–Q39)
Q30.
List the four main seasons as per NCERT.
Cold weather, Hot weather, Advancing monsoon (Rainy), Retreating monsoon (Post-monsoon).
Q31.
When is the cold weather season?
Approximately December to February.
Q32.
When is the hot weather season?
Approximately March to May.
Q33.
When does the southwest monsoon usually arrive in India?
Usually from June and continues till September (on average).
Q34.
What is a 'nor'wester'?
A sudden, violent thunderstorm (common in eastern India before the monsoon).
Q35.
What happens during the retreating monsoon?
Monsoon withdraws from north to south; many regions become dry with occasional cyclonic rains on the southeast coast.
Q36.
Name one feature of the hot weather season.
High temperatures and dry conditions in many parts of India.
Q37.
Why do some areas get fog in winter?
Due to low temperatures and humidity near the surface causing condensation of moisture.
Q38.
What role do the seasons play in agriculture?
Seasons determine sowing and harvesting cycles, especially timing of monsoon for Kharif crops.
Q39.
Which season is important for Kharif crops?
The advancing monsoon (southwest monsoon) season is crucial for Kharif crops.
Distribution of Rainfall (Q40–Q46)
Q40.
Which part of India receives extremely heavy rainfall?
Parts of the northeastern region (e.g., Cherrapunji, Mawsynram) receive extremely heavy rainfall.
Q41.
Why does the Western Ghats receive heavy rain on its windward side?
Because moist southwest monsoon winds rise along the slopes and cool, causing orographic rain.
Q42.
What is a rain-shadow area?
A region on the leeward side of mountains that receives very little rainfall.
Q43.
Name a rain-shadow region in India.
Rajasthan (parts of western India) is a rain-shadow region.
Q44.
Which coast receives rain from the Bay of Bengal branch?
The eastern coast and northeastern India get heavy rainfall from the Bay of Bengal branch.
Q45.
How does the peninsular plateau receive rainfall?
It receives moderate rainfall; patterns vary due to local relief and distance from the sea.
Q46.
Why is rainfall distribution uneven across India?
Because of differences in wind direction, relief features, distance from the sea, and latitude.
Monsoon — A Unifying Bond (Q47–Q50)
Q47.
Why is monsoon important for India?
It provides most of India’s annual rainfall and supports agriculture, water resources and livelihoods.
Q48.
How does monsoon affect festivals and culture?
Many festivals and agricultural practices are timed with the monsoon onset and harvests, creating cultural unity.
Q49.
Give one economic effect of a poor monsoon.
Lower agricultural output leading to reduced rural incomes and possible rise in food prices.
Q50.
How does monsoon help in groundwater recharge?
Rainwater percolates into the ground, replenishing aquifers and groundwater levels.