Climate & Monsoon — Set 2
Geography · जलवायु और मानसून · Questions 11–20 of 50
Which part of India receives rain from the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon?
Correct Answer: D. Western Ghats
The Arabian Sea branch of the Southwest Monsoon first strikes the Western Ghats of India. It brings extremely heavy rainfall to the coastal areas of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala. The branch then moves towards the northern part of the country.
The climate of India is mainly described as which of the following types?
Correct Answer: B. Monsoon
India's climate is predominantly classified as the Monsoon type. This type is characterized by a seasonal reversal in the wind direction. It is found mainly in South and South-East Asia.
The 'ITCZ' (Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone) plays a major role in Indian weather. Where does it shift during the summer in India?
Correct Answer: A. Over the Ganga plains
During the summer, the ITCZ shifts northwards and is positioned over the Ganga plains. It is often called the 'monsoon trough' in this region. This shift creates low pressure that attracts the moisture-laden winds from the Southern Hemisphere.
The Aravalli range in Rajasthan fails to cause much rainfall because it lies?
Correct Answer: C. Parallel to the direction of the monsoon winds
The Aravalli hills lie parallel to the direction of the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon. As a result, the winds pass over the range without being forced to rise and cool. This contributes significantly to the arid conditions in Western Rajasthan.
Which of the following factors does NOT influence the climate of India?
Correct Answer: B. Ocean Tides
Ocean tides are a localized gravitational phenomenon and do not significantly influence the long-term climate of a country. Latitude and altitude are major determinants of temperature and pressure. The wind system directly brings the monsoon rain to the subcontinent.
Which state receives the least rainfall in India?
Correct Answer: D. Rajasthan
Western Rajasthan, particularly the Thar Desert region, receives the least rainfall in India. The annual precipitation here is often less than 25 cm. The lack of mountain barriers and high temperatures prevent significant rainfall.
The retreating monsoon season in India lasts from?
Correct Answer: A. October to November
The retreat of the monsoon begins in North India in September and clears the entire country by late November. This period is characterized by clear skies and a gradual drop in temperature. It is the transition season between the rainy season and winter.
The 'Break in Monsoon' refers to which phenomenon?
Correct Answer: B. Dry spells during the rainy season
A break in the monsoon refers to the dry period when there is little to no rain for a few weeks during the monsoon season. This happens when the monsoon trough shifts towards the foothills of the Himalayas. It can adversely affect agriculture if the break is prolonged.
According to Koeppen's classification, most of the Indian Peninsula is under which climate group?
Correct Answer: A. Tropical Savannah (Aw)
The major part of the Indian peninsula is categorized as Tropical Savannah (Aw) according to Koeppen. It is characterized by a distinct dry season in winter. The temperatures remain high throughout the year in this region.
The Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon brings heavy rain to which mountain range first?
Correct Answer: A. Arakan Yoma
The Bay of Bengal branch first hits the Arakan Yoma mountains in Myanmar and the hills of Northeast India. This deflection causes the winds to move westwards along the Ganga plains. It is responsible for the high rainfall in states like Meghalaya and Assam.