Climate & Monsoon — Set 1
Geography · जलवायु और मानसून · Questions 1–10 of 50
Which of the following terms is used for the pre-monsoon showers in Karnataka and Kerala that help in the early ripening of mangoes?
Correct Answer: A. Mango Showers
Mango Showers are pre-monsoon rains common in the states of Karnataka and Kerala. They are significant because they assist in the early ripening of the mango crop. These rains generally occur towards the end of the summer season.
The intense hot and dry winds blowing in the Northern plains of India during the summer are known as?
Correct Answer: C. Loo
Loo refers to the strong, hot, and dry summer afternoons winds in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. Direct exposure to these winds can often lead to heatstroke. They are a prominent feature of the weather in North India during May and June.
Which mountain range acts as a barrier to the moisture-laden Southwest Monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the Konkan coast?
Correct Answer: B. Western Ghats
The Western Ghats intercept the Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest Monsoon. This causes heavy orographic rainfall on the windward side, including the Konkan and Malabar coasts. The leeward side of these mountains remains a rain-shadow area.
The 'Kalbaisakhi' or 'Nor'westers' are violent thunderstorms that occur primarily in which state?
Correct Answer: A. West Bengal
Kalbaisakhi refers to localized thunderstorms associated with violent winds and heavy rain in West Bengal. The term literally means 'calamity of the month of Baisakh'. These storms are helpful for the cultivation of tea, jute, and rice.
Which region in India receives the bulk of its rainfall during the winter months from the North-East monsoon?
Correct Answer: B. Coromandel Coast
The Coromandel Coast in Tamil Nadu receives significant rainfall during October and November. This is caused by the retreating monsoon or the North-East monsoon picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Most of the rest of India remains dry during this period.
The burst of monsoon in India is characterized by a sudden increase in rainfall. It usually arrives first in which state?
Correct Answer: D. Kerala
The Southwest Monsoon typically strikes the Kerala coast by the first week of June. This phenomenon is known as the 'onset' or 'burst' of the monsoon. It marks the transition from the hot summer to the rainy season.
Mawsynram, the wettest place on Earth, is located in which hills of Meghalaya?
Correct Answer: A. Khasi Hills
Mawsynram is situated in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya and receives the highest average annual rainfall. Its unique funnel-like shape helps in trapping moisture-laden clouds from the Bay of Bengal. This leads to exceptionally heavy orographic precipitation.
What is the primary cause of the 'Western Disturbances' that bring rain to Northwest India during winter?
Correct Answer: B. Cyclonic storms from the Mediterranean Sea
Western Disturbances are shallow cyclonic depressions originating over the Mediterranean Sea. They travel eastward and enter India, bringing winter rain to the plains and snow to the Himalayas. This rainfall is highly beneficial for the Rabi crops like wheat.
Which periodic climate pattern is associated with the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific and often causes monsoon failure in India?
Correct Answer: B. El Niño
El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by abnormal warming of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It often weakens the Indian monsoon, leading to drought-like conditions in many parts of the country. Historical data suggest a strong correlation between El Niño years and poor rainfall in India.
The 'October Heat' in India is a phenomenon occurring during the transition period of which season?
Correct Answer: A. Retreating Monsoon
October Heat is caused by high temperatures and humidity during the retreat of the monsoon. As the skies clear, the heat becomes oppressive due to the moist ground and clear sun. It marks the change from the rainy season to the cold dry winter.