Climate & Monsoon — Set 4
Geography · जलवायु और मानसून · Questions 31–40 of 50
What is the main source of moisture for the rainfall in the Meghalaya plateau?
Correct Answer: B. Bay of Bengal
The Bay of Bengal branch of the Southwest Monsoon provides moisture for the Meghalaya region. The hills like Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia force these winds upward, causing heavy rain. This results in some of the highest rainfall figures globally in places like Cherrapunji.
During the winter season, the direction of winds in India is generally?
Correct Answer: C. North-East to South-West
In winter, the winds blow from the land to the sea in a North-East to South-West direction. These are known as the North-East trade winds. Since they blow from land, they are mostly dry for the majority of the country.
The Southern Oscillation (SO) refers to the pressure changes between which two locations?
Correct Answer: C. Tahiti and Darwin
The Southern Oscillation is a periodic seesaw of air pressure between the central Pacific (Tahiti) and the eastern Indian Ocean (Darwin). It is closely linked with El Niño events. This interaction is known as ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation).
The pre-monsoon showers in Assam are known as?
Correct Answer: C. Bordoisila
In Assam, these violent pre-monsoon winds and rains are called 'Bordoisila' (or Bardoli Chheerha). They occur in the spring and help in the cultivation of tea. These are the local equivalent of Nor'westers.
Which state of India is the first to experience the retreating monsoon rain?
Correct Answer: A. Punjab
The monsoon begins to withdraw from the northwestern states like Punjab and Rajasthan first, usually by early September. It gradually retreats southward over the next two months. Tamil Nadu is the last to experience the effects as it gets rain from the retreating winds.
Why does the monsoon in India arrive in two branches?
Correct Answer: C. Due to the presence of the Indian Peninsula
The tapering shape of the Indian Peninsula divides the incoming Southwest Monsoon into the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch. This division ensures that rainfall is distributed across different geographic zones. Both branches eventually meet over Northern India.
Cherrapunji, once the wettest place on Earth, has been surpassed by Mawsynram. Both are in which state?
Correct Answer: B. Meghalaya
Both Mawsynram and Cherrapunji are located in the state of Meghalaya. They are situated on the southern slopes of the Khasi Hills. They receive the world's highest rainfall due to their unique topography.
Which month is known as the month of transition in India?
Correct Answer: C. October
October is considered a month of transition from the hot-rainy season to dry-winter conditions. The monsoon starts retreating, and the weather becomes clear but humid. This transition often leads to the phenomenon of 'October Heat'.
The winter rain caused by Western Disturbances is very important for which crop?
Correct Answer: C. Wheat
Wheat is a Rabi crop sown in winter and requires moderate rainfall. The precipitation from Western Disturbances provides the necessary moisture during the growing phase. It is a critical factor for high yields in Punjab and Haryana.
What is the average duration of the monsoon in India?
Correct Answer: B. 100 to 120 days
The monsoon season in India generally lasts for about 100 to 120 days. It typically extends from early June to mid-September. The arrival and withdrawal dates vary across different parts of the country.