Indian Climate and Monsoon

Q. No. 1. The term ‘Monsoon’ originated from which language? (MPPSC Prelims, 2013)

(a) Arabic

(b) Spanish

(d) English

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

●The word monsoon is derived from the Arabic word mausim, meaning season. The term was used by Arab sailors for the seasonal winds of the Indian Ocean, whose direction changed with the season and strongly influenced maritime navigation.

●A monsoon is not merely “heavy rain.” Its defining feature is a seasonal reversal or marked seasonal change in the prevailing wind circulation. Rainfall is a major consequence of this circulation, especially when moisture-laden winds blow from ocean to land.

●Option (a) is correct because mausim is an Arabic word.

Hence, option A is correct.

Q. No. 2. Assertion (A): India is a monsoonal country.

Reason (R): The high Himalayas impart climatic distinctiveness to India. (UPPCS Prelims, 1996 and 1998)

Code :

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

(d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

●India is called a monsoonal country because its annual cycle of winds, rainfall and temperature is strongly controlled by the seasonal migration of pressure belts, differential heating of land and sea, cross-equatorial airflow, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, jet streams and relief.

●The Himalayas act as a major climatic barrier. In winter, they restrict the direct penetration of extremely cold continental air from Central Asia into the Indian subcontinent. This helps maintain comparatively warmer winter conditions over northern India than would otherwise occur at similar latitudes.

●During the southwest monsoon, the Himalayan arc obstructs the northward movement of moisture-bearing winds. The winds are forced to rise, cool and produce rainfall over the subcontinent instead of passing freely into the Tibetan interior.

●The Himalayas also help shape the position of the monsoon trough and influence the interaction between the subtropical westerly jet, the tropical easterly jet and the thermal conditions over the Tibetan Plateau.

●Therefore, the Assertion is correct: India has a predominantly monsoonal climatic regime. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct.

●The Reason is also correct because the Himalayas give India a climatic identity distinct from the cold continental interiors to the north and help retain monsoon moisture within the subcontinent. Hence, Reason (R) is correct.

●The Reason explains an important part of why India experiences a distinctive monsoon climate. It is not the sole cause of the monsoon, but it is sufficiently central to the climatic distinctiveness stated in the Assertion.

Hence, option A is correct.

Q. No. 3. Assertion (A): India has a tropical monsoon type of climate.

Reason (R): India is located exactly between the tropical latitudes. (Jharkhand PCS Prelims, 2013)

Code:

(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

(b) A is true, but R is false.

(d) A is false, but R is true.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●India’s climate is commonly described as a tropical monsoon because of the dominant influence of monsoonal wind reversal, concentration of rainfall in a particular season, pronounced seasonal pressure changes and strong regional variations created by relief and distance from the sea.

●However, India does not lie entirely within the tropics. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the country, and a substantial part of India lies north of it in the subtropical latitudes. India extends approximately from 8°4′ N to 37°6′ N.

●Thus, the Assertion is correct because the overall climatic regime is monsoonal and predominantly tropical in character. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct.

●The Reason is incorrect because India is not located “exactly between tropical latitudes.” Only the southern portion lies within the tropical belt; the northern portion lies in the subtropical belt. Hence, Reason (R) is incorrect.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 4. In which of the following states does the southwest monsoon normally arrive first? (UPPCS Prelims, 2006)

(a) Assam

(b) West Bengal

(d) Kerala

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●The southwest monsoon normally sets in over the Kerala coast around the beginning of June, although the exact date varies from year to year. This marks the formal onset of the main rainy season over the Indian mainland.

●Kerala is the first among the given states because the moisture-laden cross-equatorial flow reaches the south-western tip of the peninsula before advancing northward and eastward.

●The onset is often associated with a sudden increase in rainfall, cloudiness, wind speed and thunderstorm activity. This abrupt transition is popularly called the burst of the monsoon.

●After reaching southern India, the monsoon advances in two broad branches: the Arabian Sea branch and the Bay of Bengal branch.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 5. The general direction of the summer monsoon winds over India is: (MPPSC Prelims, 2012; Uttarakhand PCS Prelims, 2006)

(a) South to north

(b) South-west to south-east

(d) South-west to north-east

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●In the southern hemisphere, the southeast trade winds move towards the equatorial low-pressure belt. During the northern summer, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone shifts northward over the Indian subcontinent.

●The southeast trade winds cross the equator and, under the influence of the Coriolis force, are deflected to their right in the northern hemisphere. They therefore approach India broadly as southwesterly winds.

●These winds carry moisture from the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. Their broad movement over India is from the south-west towards the north-east, though local direction changes occur because of coastlines, relief and pressure gradients.

●During the retreating or winter monsoon season, the prevailing near-surface winds over much of India are broadly north-easterly, moving from land towards the surrounding seas.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 6. High temperature and low pressure over the Indian subcontinent during summer draw air from the Indian Ocean, leading to the inflow of the: (UPSC CSE Prelims, 1996)

(a) South-east monsoon

(b) South-west monsoon

(d) Westerlies

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●In late spring and early summer, intense heating over north-western India, the adjoining subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau contributes to the formation of a broad low-pressure area. Over the southern Indian Ocean, relatively higher pressure persists, including the influence of the subtropical high-pressure belt.

●This pressure contrast strengthens the cross-equatorial flow towards the Indian subcontinent. After crossing the equator, the winds are deflected by the Coriolis force and become southwesterly.

●The monsoon is not explained by differential heating alone. A complete explanation also includes the northward shift of the ITCZ, the Tibetan thermal effect, the subtropical westerly jet’s seasonal withdrawal from northern India, the tropical easterly jet, the Mascarene High and ocean–atmosphere variability.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 7. Which of the following months best represent the main monsoon-rain period in Tamil Nadu among the given options? (MPPSC Prelims, 2005)

(a) March–April

(b) June–July

(d) November–December

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●Tamil Nadu receives a comparatively smaller share of its annual rainfall from the southwest monsoon because much of the state lies in the rain-shadow region of the Western Ghats, and the southwest monsoon winds often blow nearly parallel to parts of the Coromandel coast.

●Its principal rainy season is associated with the retreating or northeast monsoon, broadly from October to December. Moisture is acquired when the north-easterly flow crosses the Bay of Bengal, and rainfall is enhanced by depressions and tropical cyclones moving towards the south-eastern coast of India.

●Option (d) is the best answer among the choices because November and December fall squarely within the northeast monsoon season. In climatological terms, October is also highly important and often marks the beginning of the main rainy period.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 8. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2012)

1. The duration of the monsoon decreases from southern India to northern India.

2. The amount of annual rainfall in the northern plains decreases from east to west.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

●The monsoon reaches the southern peninsula before northern India and withdraws from north-western India before withdrawing from the southern peninsula. Therefore, the rainy season is generally longer in the south and shorter in the north.

●Southern India also experiences a second important rainy phase from the retreating/northeast monsoon in parts of the peninsula, particularly Tamil Nadu. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

●In the northern plains, the Bay of Bengal branch moves westward along the Ganga plain. As it travels inland, it progressively loses moisture through rainfall. Consequently, annual rainfall generally declines from the humid east towards the drier west.

●The pattern is not perfectly uniform because local relief, depressions, monsoon trough position and western disturbances can modify rainfall. Nevertheless, the broad east-to-west declining trend is a standard geographical pattern. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. No. 9. With reference to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2017)

1. It is characterised by a sea-surface-temperature difference between the tropical western Indian Ocean and the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean.

2. An IOD event can influence the impact of El Niño on the Indian monsoon.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●The Indian Ocean Dipole is an irregular coupled ocean–atmosphere phenomenon within the Indian Ocean. It is measured by the sea-surface-temperature contrast between the western equatorial Indian Ocean and the south-eastern equatorial Indian Ocean near Indonesia.

●Statement 1 incorrectly places the eastern pole in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean. That location belongs to the Pacific ENSO system, not the IOD. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

●In a positive IOD, the western Indian Ocean is relatively warmer and the waters near Indonesia are relatively cooler. This can strengthen convection over the western Indian Ocean and may support rainfall over parts of the Indian region.

●An IOD event can modify, offset or amplify the influence of El Niño on the Indian monsoon. The relationship is not mechanically identical every year because the monsoon is controlled by several interacting factors. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 10. Which of the following statements about El Niño is not correct? (MPPSC Prelims, 2024)

(a) El Niño involves anomalous warming in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, including waters off the Peru–Ecuador region.

(b) El Niño often weakens the Indian summer monsoon.

(d) La Niña often favours a stronger Indian summer monsoon, though not invariably.

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

●El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It involves abnormal warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and changes in the Walker circulation, trade winds and tropical convection.

●Option (a) is broadly correct. The traditional description emphasises warming off the South American coast, although modern ENSO indices cover broader central and eastern Pacific regions.

●Option (b) is generally correct. El Niño often weakens the large-scale circulation favourable to the Indian summer monsoon and is associated with an increased probability of deficient rainfall. It does not guarantee drought in every El Niño year.

●Option (c) is incorrect. El Niño is an irregular, episodic phenomenon, not an annual event.

●Option (d) is broadly correct. La Niña, the cool phase of ENSO, often supports a stronger monsoon circulation, but the outcome depends on IOD, Eurasian snow conditions, intraseasonal oscillations and other factors.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. No. 11. Consider the following statements regarding jet streams: (Chhattisgarh PCS Prelims, 2022)

1. In winter, a westerly jet blows across Asia to the north of the Himalayas, broadly parallel to the Tibetan Highlands.

2. The Tibetan Highlands divide the westerly jet into northern and southern branches.

3. The northern branch plays the principal role in producing winter weather over India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) None of the above

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

●Jet streams are narrow bands of very strong winds in the upper troposphere, generally near the tropopause. Their position and seasonal migration have major effects on weather systems.

●During winter, the subtropical westerly jet influences the region around the Himalayas and Tibet. The high Tibetan Plateau acts as a major topographic barrier and helps split the upper-air flow. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

●One branch passes to the north of the Tibetan Plateau, while another branch passes to its south. The southern branch is especially relevant to the winter weather of northern India because it helps guide western disturbances. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

●Statement 3 is incorrect because the southern branch, not the northern branch, has the more direct role in affecting winter weather over India. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

●In summer, the subtropical westerly jet shifts north of the Himalayas, while a tropical easterly jet develops over the peninsula and adjoining region. These changes are associated with the establishment of the summer monsoon circulation.

Hence, option (a) is correct.

Q. No. 12. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE Prelims, 2015)

1. Winds blowing between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies.

2. The moist air masses causing winter rain in north-western India are associated with the westerlies.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●The westerlies are the prevailing winds of the mid-latitudes in both hemispheres, generally between about 30° and 60° latitude. The statement incorrectly combines 30° N and 60° S as if they were the boundaries of one continuous belt. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

●Western disturbances are extra-tropical weather systems originating mainly in the Mediterranean–West Asian region. They travel eastward with the westerly circulation and bring winter rain to north-western India and snowfall to the western Himalayas.

●This rainfall is agriculturally important for rabi crops such as wheat, though intense disturbances can also cause hail, crop damage, avalanches and floods. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 13. The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a low-pressure zone, is generally located: (MPPSC Prelims, 2018)

(a) Between the trade-wind and westerly belts

(b) Between the westerly and polar-wind belts

(d) Near the equator

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●The ITCZ is a broad low-pressure belt where the trade winds of the northern and southern hemispheres converge. The converging warm, moist air rises, producing deep convection, cloud formation and frequent rainfall.

●Its average position is near the equator, but it migrates north and south with the apparent movement of the Sun and with seasonal heating contrasts between land and sea.

●During the northern summer, the ITCZ shifts northward over the Indian subcontinent. Its continental expression is closely related to the monsoon trough.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 14. Rajasthan receives very little rainfall mainly because: (BPSC Prelims Re-Examination, 2022)

(a) The monsoon fails to reach Rajasthan

(b) Rajasthan is too hot for rainfall

(d) The Aravalli Range lies broadly parallel to the southwest monsoon flow and does not provide sufficient orographic uplift over much of western Rajasthan

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●Rajasthan does receive monsoon winds, so option (a) is incorrect. The problem is not complete absence of the monsoon but weak uplift, moisture depletion and an unfavourable relief orientation.

●High temperature alone does not prevent rainfall. In fact, intense heating creates low pressure and can support convection if moisture is available. Therefore, option (b) is incorrect.

●Moisture is present in the monsoon winds, although the Arabian Sea branch loses moisture along its path and the Bay of Bengal branch reaches Rajasthan after travelling a long distance. Therefore, option (c) is too absolute.

●The Aravalli Range is oriented roughly south-west to north-east, broadly parallel to the direction of the Arabian Sea branch. The winds are therefore not forced to rise strongly across a major barrier, and much of western Rajasthan receives scanty rainfall.

●Continentality, distance from the Bay of Bengal, high evaporation, variable monsoon depressions and the rain-shadow influence of distant relief further strengthen aridity.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 15. Assertion (A): Agra and Darjeeling lie at nearly the same latitude, but January temperature is much lower in Darjeeling.

Reason (R): Temperature generally decreases with altitude in the troposphere, and mountain locations are cooler than plains at similar latitudes. (UPPCS Prelims, 2022)

Code:

(a) A is true, but R is false.

(b) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

(d) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●Latitude is an important control of temperature, but it is not the only control. Altitude, continentality, slope, aspect, cloud cover and local circulation can create large temperature differences between places at similar latitudes.

●Agra lies in the northern plains at a much lower elevation, while Darjeeling is located in the eastern Himalayas at a high altitude. Therefore, Darjeeling is much cooler, especially in winter. Hence, Assertion (A) is correct.

●In the troposphere, temperature normally decreases with increasing altitude. The commonly used average environmental lapse rate is about 6.5°C per kilometre, though the actual rate varies with moisture, stability and weather conditions. Hence, Reason (R) is correct.

●The altitude difference directly explains the temperature contrast described in the Assertion.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 16. In which part of India is the daily range of temperature generally the highest? (Chhattisgarh PCS Prelims, 2011)

(a) Eastern coastal areas

(b) Interior Chhattisgarh Plain

(d) Desert areas of Rajasthan

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●The daily or diurnal range of temperature is the difference between the maximum and minimum temperature within a day.

●Desert areas have clear skies, low atmospheric moisture, sparse vegetation and dry surfaces. They heat rapidly during the day and lose heat rapidly through terrestrial radiation at night, producing a large diurnal range.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 17. Which of the following regions is least affected by the Arabian Sea branch of the southwest monsoon? (Chhattisgarh PCS Prelims, 2016)

(a) Western Ghats

(b) Deccan Plateau

(d) Chhattisgarh Basin

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●The Arabian Sea branch strikes the Western Ghats almost at right angles. Strong orographic uplift produces heavy rainfall on the windward western slopes.

●The Chhattisgarh Basin is more strongly associated with moisture and depressions entering through the Bay of Bengal route. The Arabian Sea branch has a comparatively weaker influence there.

●Regional rainfall should not be understood as the product of only one fixed branch; the two branches often interact, and monsoon depressions can redistribute moisture across central India.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 18. The decline or withdrawal of the monsoon is indicated by: (BPSC Prelims, 1995)

1. Clearer skies.

2. Development of low-pressure conditions over the Bay of Bengal.

3. A temporary rise in daytime temperature over land.

Select the correct answer.

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

●Withdrawal begins when the monsoon trough weakens and shifts southward, pressure rises over north-western India and the moisture-bearing southwesterly flow retreats.

●As cloud cover and rainfall decrease over the withdrawing region, skies become clearer. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

●During the retreating phase, the Bay of Bengal remains an important area for the formation of depressions and cyclonic storms. These systems can produce heavy rainfall along the eastern coast, especially the Coromandel coast. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

●Clear skies and reduced rainfall can produce a temporary rise in daytime temperature and humid, oppressive conditions known as October heat, especially over parts of northern and peninsular India. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. No. 19. Köppen used which climatic symbol for much of the Great Plains of India? (Uttarakhand PCS Prelims, 2021)

(a) Amw

(b) As

(d) Aw

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

●In the traditional Köppen notation commonly used in Indian geography texts, Cwg denotes a warm temperate or humid subtropical monsoon climate with a dry winter and a hot summer.

●Much of the Ganga plain and adjoining northern Indian region is placed in this category because summers are hot, rainfall is concentrated in the monsoon season and winters are comparatively dry.

●Option (a), Amw, represents tropical monsoon conditions with a short dry winter and is associated mainly with the western coastal region in the traditional Indian adaptation.

●Option (b), As, represents a tropical climate with a dry summer. It is not the standard classification for the Great Plains.

●Option (d), Aw, represents tropical wet-and-dry or savanna climate, more typical of large parts of the peninsular interior.

Hence, option (c) is correct.

Q. No. 20. According to the Köppen climate classification used in Indian geography texts, the Amw climate is found predominantly in which part of India? (Uttarakhand PCS Prelims, 2025)

(a) North-western India

(b) Western coastal region

(d) Northern plain

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●The Am/Amw tropical monsoon climate is characterised by high temperature throughout the year, very heavy seasonal rainfall and a short dry period.

●India’s western coastal belt receives intense orographic rainfall when the Arabian Sea branch is forced to rise along the Western Ghats. This supports tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen vegetation in the wettest sectors.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 21. Which of the following statements is not correct? (Rajasthan PCS Prelims, 2024)

(a) Rainfall variability at Chennai is greater than at Mumbai.

(b) The retreating monsoon causes rainfall over coastal Tamil Nadu.

(d) The Monsoon Expedition known as MONEX-1973 was organised jointly by the United States and India.

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●Option (a) is correct. Chennai depends heavily on retreating-monsoon depressions and cyclones, which vary considerably from year to year. Mumbai receives a more regular southwest-monsoon regime, though it also shows variability.

●Option (b) is correct. Coastal Tamil Nadu receives much of its annual rainfall during the northeast/retreating monsoon season.

●Option (c) is correct. Western disturbances arise in the Mediterranean and adjoining West Asian region and move eastward with the westerlies.

●Option (d) is incorrect. The 1973 monsoon expedition referred to in the source was associated with cooperation between India and the then Soviet Union, not the United States and India. MONEX-1979 was a broader international component of the Global Atmospheric Research Programme and should not be confused with MONEX-1973.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 22. Which of the following conditions are generally favourable for the onset and strengthening of the Indian summer monsoon?

Development of a strong low-pressure area over north-western India and adjoining regions.
Northward shift of the ITCZ.
Cross-equatorial flow from the southern Indian Ocean.
Persistence of the subtropical westerly jet south of the Himalayas throughout summer.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1, 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●Strong summer heating creates low pressure over the subcontinent and helps draw in oceanic air. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

●The northward migration of the ITCZ establishes the monsoon trough over the subcontinent. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

●Cross-equatorial flow supplies moisture and, after Coriolis deflection, becomes southwesterly over the northern Indian Ocean. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

●The subtropical westerly jet normally shifts north of the Himalayas during the establishment of the summer monsoon. Its persistence south of the Himalayas would not represent the normal mature summer-monsoon condition. Hence, statement 4 is incorrect.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 23. Which of the following best explains the very heavy rainfall on the windward side of the Western Ghats during the southwest monsoon?

(a) Convergence of polar easterlies and westerlies

(b) Orographic uplift of moisture-laden Arabian Sea winds

(d) Winter cyclones from the Mediterranean Sea

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●The Arabian Sea branch approaches the Western Ghats from the west. The mountain barrier forces moist air to rise, cool adiabatically, condense and produce heavy rainfall on the windward slopes.

●The leeward Deccan Plateau lies in a rain-shadow region and receives much lower rainfall.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 24. Match the following local weather phenomena with their principal regions:

Mango showers — Kerala and coastal Karnataka
Blossom showers — Coffee-growing areas of south India
Kalbaisakhi/Nor’westers — West Bengal and Assam
Loo — Northern and north-western plains

Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●Mango showers are pre-monsoon convectional rains that help the early ripening of mangoes in Kerala and coastal Karnataka.

●Blossom showers are important pre-monsoon rains in coffee-growing regions because they stimulate coffee blossoms.

●Kalbaisakhi or Nor’westers are violent pre-monsoon thunderstorms of eastern and north-eastern India, especially West Bengal and Assam. They may bring useful rain but can also cause severe damage.

●Loo is a very hot, dry wind that blows over the northern and north-western plains during the hot-weather season.

Hence, all four pairs are correctly matched.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 25. “Breaks” in the Indian summer monsoon refer to:

(a) Complete termination of the monsoon over India

(b) Temporary dry intervals during the rainy season caused by changes in the monsoon trough and rainfall distribution

(d) Permanent reversal of the southwest monsoon into north-east winds

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●A monsoon break is a temporary weakening or redistribution of rainfall during the active monsoon season. It often occurs when the monsoon trough shifts towards the Himalayan foothills or when the normal sequence of depressions weakens.

●During a break, rainfall may decrease over much of central and peninsular India while increasing along the Himalayan foothills and parts of north-east India.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 26. Consider the following statements about the retreating monsoon:

1. Withdrawal normally begins from north-western India.

2. The Coromandel coast receives important rainfall during this season.

3. Bay of Bengal depressions and cyclones contribute substantially to the rainfall.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

●The monsoon begins withdrawing from north-western India as the low-pressure system over the subcontinent weakens and pressure rises. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

●The south-eastern coast, especially Tamil Nadu, receives major rainfall during October–December. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

●Depressions and cyclonic storms forming over the Bay of Bengal often move towards the east coast and produce heavy rain. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Hence, option (d) is correct.

Q. No. 27. Which one of the following statements best describes the rain-shadow effect in peninsular India?

(a) Windward slopes receive less rainfall than leeward slopes.

(b) Descending air on the leeward side becomes warmer and drier, reducing rainfall.

(d) Rain shadow develops only in winter.

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●Moist air rises on the windward slope, cools and loses moisture through precipitation. After crossing the crest, the air descends, compresses and warms, lowering relative humidity and suppressing rainfall.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 28. Which of the following combinations correctly identifies the principal climatic control and its effect?

(a) Distance from sea — reduces the annual temperature range in continental interiors

(b) Altitude — generally lowers temperature with height in the troposphere

(d) Western Ghats — produce equal rainfall on both windward and leeward slopes

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●Altitude generally lowers temperature because air pressure decreases with height and rising air expands and cools.

●Option (a) is incorrect. Distance from the sea usually increases continentality and the annual temperature range.

●Option (c) is incorrect. Clear skies enhance night-time terrestrial radiation and rapid cooling.

●Option (d) is incorrect. The windward slopes receive much heavier rainfall than the leeward rain-shadow region.

Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q. No. 29. Consider the following statements regarding the Bay of Bengal branch of the southwest monsoon:

1. It produces very heavy rainfall in north-eastern India because of relief and moisture convergence.

2. It turns westward along the Ganga plain.

3. Its rainfall generally increases from east to west across the northern plains.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

●Moisture-laden winds are forced to rise against the hills of Meghalaya and the north-eastern ranges, producing exceptionally heavy rainfall in favourable locations. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

●After entering north-eastern India, the flow is channelled westward along the Himalayan foothills and the Ganga plain. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

●Rainfall generally decreases, not increases, from east to west because the winds progressively lose moisture. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.

Hence, option (b) is correct.