Climate

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Mausam ka haal!

Climate is the aggregate of weather conditions and variations

spanning an extensive area for an extended period, typically
exceeding thirty years.

Weather denotes the atmospheric conditions prevailing over a

specific area at a given moment in time.
The components of both weather and climate include temperature,
atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation. Seasons like

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winter, summer, and the rainy season are delineated based on monthly
atmospheric conditions throughout the year.
Climate ko konse factors control

Climatic Controls karte ha?

Post-French Revolution, global discourse revolved around individual

rights and societal power, affecting Europe and Asia.
Colonial experiences played a role in shaping ideas about social change.
Divergent opinions existed on the necessity of complete societal
transformation.
The Russian Revolution in the 20th century elevated socialism as a
potent and influential concept.

The climate of a location is influenced by the following factors:

1) Latitude
The quantity of solar energy received fluctuates with latitude due
to the Earth's curvature, leading to a general decrease in air
temperature from the equator towards the poles.
2) Altitude

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As we ascend to higher altitudes from the Earth's surface, the
atmosphere becomes less dense, causing a decline in temperature.
This is the underlying reason for the cooler temperatures
experienced in hills during the summer.
3) Pressure and wind system
The pressure and wind systems in a particular area are contingent
upon the latitude and altitude of the location, exerting an impact
on both temperature and rainfall patterns.

4) Distance from the sea

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The presence of the sea has a moderating effect on the climate. As
one moves farther away from the sea, the moderating influence
diminishes, leading to the experience of more extreme weather
conditions. This phenomenon is referred to as continentality,
characterized by intense heat in summers and severe cold in
winters.
5) Ocean currents
The climate of coastal regions is influenced by ocean currents and
onshore winds. Specifically, if a coastal area is traversed by warm
or cold currents and experiences onshore winds, it will be either
warmed or cooled accordingly.
6) Relief features
Relief significantly shapes the climate of a location. Elevated
mountains function as obstacles to both cold and hot winds,
potentially inducing precipitation if they are sufficiently high and
positioned in the trajectory of moisture-laden winds. Precipitation
encompasses various forms of moisture such as rain, snow, hail, and
sleet that fall to the Earth.
Mnemonic
D - Distance from the sea
P - Pressure and wind system

d polar O - Ocean currents

L - Latitude
A - Altitude
R - Relief features
 India ke climate ko majorly konse
factors control karte ha

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Factors Affecting India’s Climate
Latitude
The Tropic of Cancer traverses the central part of the country,
extending from the Rann of Kachchh in the west to Mizoram in the
east. India's climate exhibits features of both tropical and
subtropical climates.

Altitude
India possesses northern mountains and an extensive coastal region
with a maximum elevation of around 30 meters. Due to these

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mountains, the subcontinent encounters relatively less severe
winters compared to central Asia.

Pressure and winds

Atmospheric conditions in India, influencing climate and weather,
include:
Pressure and surface winds
Upper air circulation
Western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones

The Southwest Monsoon winds are a significant factor, moving

from the high-pressure region over the southern Indian Ocean,
crossing the equator, and turning right toward the low-pressure
zones over the Indian subcontinent.
These winds, blowing over warm oceans, accumulate moisture
and bring widespread rainfall across Indian territories.
Jet streams, characterized as fast-flowing, narrow, meandering
air currents in the atmosphere, also contribute to weather
patterns.

The Indian Monsoon

The climate of India is heavily influenced by monsoon winds, characterized
by the seasonal reversal of the wind system known as the "monsoon."
Monsoons are experienced in the tropical area roughly between 20° N and
20° S. To comprehend the mechanism of monsoons better, consider the
following facts:
 Differential heating and cooling of land and water create low

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pressure over the Indian landmass and high pressure in the
surrounding seas.
The shift of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) over
the Ganga plain in summer is referred to as the monsoon
trough during the monsoon season.
The high-pressure area east of Madagascar, approximately 20°S
over the Indian Ocean, influences the Indian Monsoon.
Intense heating of the Tibetan plateau during summer leads to
strong vertical air currents and the formation of low pressure
over the plateau at about 9 km above sea level.
The northward movement of the westerly jet stream above the

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Himalayas and the presence of the tropical easterly jet stream
over the Indian peninsula during summer also have an impact
on the Indian Monsoon.

Changes in pressure conditions over the southern oceans play a role in

influencing the monsoons. The Southern Oscillation, characterized by
irregularly periodic variations in winds and sea surface temperatures across
the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean, has a significant impact on the climate
of the tropics and subtropics.

The Onset of the Monsoon and Withdrawal

The monsoon typically spans a duration of 100-120 days, commencing in
early June and extending to mid-September. Upon its arrival, there is a
sudden and substantial increase in normal rainfall that persists
consistently for several days, referred to as the "burst" of the monsoon.

Arrival of the Monsoon in India me alag alag states me

monsoon kab ata ha?
Different Parts of India
The monsoon typically reaches the southern tip of the Indian peninsula in
the first week of June. From there, it divides into two branches—one
moving towards the Arabian Sea and the other towards the Bay of Bengal.

Around the 10th of June, the Arabian Sea branch of the monsoon
reaches Mumbai.
In the first week of June, the Bay of Bengal branch arrives in Assam.
 By mid-June, the Arabian Sea branch extends over Saurashtra-

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Kuchchh and the central part of the country.
The convergence of the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal
branches occurs over the northwestern part of the Ganga
plains.
Delhi witnesses monsoon showers from the Bay of Bengal
branch by the end of June.
Western Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and eastern
Rajasthan experience the monsoon by the first week of July.
By mid-July, the monsoon reaches Himachal Pradesh
Monsoonand the bye karne
ko tata-bye
remaining parts of the country. ka time
Withdrawal of the Monsoon

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The monsoon starts retreating from the northwestern states of India by
early September. Subsequently, it withdraws entirely from the northern
half of the peninsula by mid-October. The withdrawal pattern from north
to south unfolds between the first week of December and the first week of
January. By early December, the monsoon has completed its withdrawal
from the rest of the country.

The Seasons
India experiences four distinct seasons:

1. Winter (Cold Weather Season)

2. Summer (Hot Weather Season)
3. Rainy Season (Advancing Monsoon)
4. Transition Season (Retreating Monsoon with Regional Variations)

Mnemonic
C - Cold weather season (winter)
H - Hot weather season (summer)
4(char) A - Advancing monsoon (rainy)
R - Retreating monsson (transition)
Now, let's delve into the details of each season:

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The Hot Weather Season
Between March and May, India witnesses a hot weather season
(Summer)by increasing temperatures and declining air pressure in the
characterized
northern region. An notable aspect of this season is the occurrence of
'loo'—forceful, hot, and dry winds that sweep across northern and
northwestern India during the day.

As the hot weather season nears its end, pre-monsoon showers occur,
commonly known as 'mango showers.' These showers contribute to the early
ripening of mangoes.

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Advancing Monsoon (The Rainy Season)
Southeast trade winds originate in the warm subtropical areas of
the southern oceans.
Crossing the equator, these winds blow southwestward, entering the
Indian peninsula as the southwest monsoon.
The southwest monsoon envelops the country for around a month.
Mawsynram in the southern ranges of the Khasi Hills receives the
highest average rainfall globally.
'Breaks' in monsoon rainfall are associated with the movement of
the monsoon trough.
The northward or southward movement of the trough and its axis
determines the spatial distribution of rainfall.
The frequency and intensity of tropical depressions influence the
amount and duration of monsoon rains.
The monsoon is characterized by uncertainties, with the alternation
of dry and wet spells varying in intensity, frequency, and duration.

Retreating/Post Monsoons
(The Transition Season)
October-November signifies a transitional phase from the hot rainy
season to dry winter conditions.
The withdrawal of the monsoon is characterized by clear skies and an
increase in temperature.
Day temperatures remain high, but nights become cool and pleasant
during this period.
 The combination of elevated temperature and humidity leads

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to oppressive weather during the day, commonly referred to as
'October heat.'
In the latter part of October, the mercury undergoes a rapid
decline, particularly in northern India.

The Cold Weather Season (Winter)

December and January emerge as the coldest months in
northern India.
The temperature gradient descends from south to north
during this period.
Days exhibit warmth, while nights bring cold conditions.

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The weather is characterized by clear skies, low temperatures,
low humidity, and gentle, variable winds.
This season holds significant importance for the cultivation of
'rabi' crops.
India me konse state me kitni

Distribution of Rainfall baarish hoti ha?

Some regions along the western coast and northeastern India receive
an annual rainfall exceeding 400 cm.
Western Rajasthan and adjoining parts of Gujarat, Haryana, and
Punjab experience rainfall of less than 60 cm.
Rainfall is scarce in the interior of the Deccan plateau and east of the
Sahyadris.
Snowfall is limited to the Himalayan region.
Annual rainfall exhibits significant variability from year to year.

Monsoon as a Unifying Bond

The cohesive impact of the monsoon on the Indian subcontinent is
readily apparent.
The cyclic change in wind systems and the corresponding weather
conditions establishes a rhythmic cycle of seasons.
The unpredictability of rainfall and its uneven distribution are
characteristic features of the monsoons.
Annually, people across India, spanning from north to south and east
to west, eagerly anticipate the onset of the monsoon.
These monsoon winds serve as a unifying force for the entire country
by supplying the essential water needed to initiate agricultural
 FAQ’s

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1. Write an essay on the significance of the monsoon for
India.
2. Discuss the impact of climate change on the
Himalayan ecosystem.
3. Examine the role of human activities in climate
change.

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4. Suggest some measures that can be taken to promote
sustainable development in India in the context of
climate change.
5. Describe the factors that influence the climate of
India.
6. Explain the mechanism of the Indian monsoon.
7. Discuss the different types of climate found in India.
8. What are the major climatic hazards faced by India?
9. What are some of the adaptation and mitigation
strategies that India is adopting to address climate
change?
10. What is the difference between weather and climate?
11. Name the six major controls of climate.
12. What is the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
13. Why are the pre-monsoon showers in Kerala and
Karnataka known as "mango showers"?

*NOTE : Worksheet [Important Questions Of All typology with

Answers) is provided as Seperate PDF on website padhleakshay.com*