CBSE Class 11 Geography Chapter 12: World Climate and Climate Change NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Geography, Chapter 12, focusing on World Climate and Climate Change. It covers key concepts of climate classification systems, particularly Koeppen's empirical approach, and explains the characteristics of different climate types like tropical humid and dry climates. The solutions address multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions about climatic variables and classification methods, and longer comparative questions. It also touches upon the influence of factors like sunspots on weather patterns. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the fundamental principles of world climate, understand the basis of climate classification, and prepare effectively for their examinations by offering clear explanations and structured answers.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 11
Subject	Geography
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	12. World Climate and Climate Change

Chapter summary

Chapter 12 of the Class 11 Geography syllabus delves into World Climate and Climate Change. The NCERT Solutions provided here offer clear explanations for classifying climates, using Koeppen's system as a primary example. Students will find answers to questions regarding temperature and precipitation variables, the distinction between empirical and genetic classifications, and the characteristics of various climate types, including humid and dry conditions. The solutions also explore factors influencing climate and provide comparative analyses of different climate groups, aiding students in understanding global climatic patterns and their underlying causes.

Learning outcomes

Understand Koeppen's empirical system of climate classification.
Differentiate between empirical and genetic climate classification methods.
Identify and describe characteristics of various world climate types (e.g., tropical humid, dry).
Analyze the role of temperature and precipitation in climate classification.
Compare climatic conditions between different climate groups (e.g., A and B types).
Recognize potential influences on climate, such as sunspots.

Topics covered

Paper topics

World Climate
Climate Change
Koeppen's Climate Classification
Empirical Classification
Genetic Classification
Climatic Variables (Temperature, Precipitation)
Tropical Humid Climates (A type)
Dry Climates (B type)
Tropical Wet Climate (Af)
Tropical Monsoon Climate (Am)
Tropical Wet and Dry Climate (Aw)
Sunspots and Climate

Important topics

Koeppen's Climate Classification System
Characteristics of Tropical Humid Climates (A)
Characteristics of Dry Climates (B)
Difference between Empirical and Genetic Classifications
Role of Temperature and Precipitation in Climate

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Questions and Solutions

Multiple choice questions

(i) Which one of the following is suitable for Koeppen's —All type of climate?

(a) High rainfall in all the months

(b) Mean monthly temperature of the coldest month more than freezing point

(d) Average temperature for all the months below 10° C

Solution: The correct option is (c). Koeppen's 'A' type climates, known as tropical humid climates, are characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. Specifically, the mean monthly temperature of all months is generally above 18°C, indicating consistently warm conditions suitable for tropical regions.

(ii) Koeppen's system of classification of climates can be termed as:

(a) Applied

(b) Systematic

(d) Empirical

Solution: The correct option is (d). Koeppen's climate classification is considered empirical because it is based on observed data, primarily temperature and precipitation, rather than on the underlying causes or genetic factors of climate.

(iii) Most of the Indian Peninsula will be grouped according to Koeppen's system under:

(a) —Af

(b) —BSh

(d) —Am

Solution: The correct option is (d). A significant portion of the Indian Peninsula experiences a tropical monsoon climate, which is classified under the 'Am' category in Koeppen's system. This climate is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons.

(iv) Which one of the following years is supposed to have recorded the warmest temperature the world over?

(a) 1990

(b) 1998

(d) 1950

Solution: The correct option is (a) 1990. While global temperature records are complex and can vary slightly depending on the dataset and analysis, 1990 is often cited as a year that recorded exceptionally high global temperatures, reflecting a warming trend.

(v) Which one of the following groups of four climates represents humid conditions?

(a) A—B—C—E

(b) A—C—D—E

(d) A—C—D—F

Solution: The correct option is (b) A—C—D—E. In Koeppen's classification, 'A' represents tropical humid climates, 'C' represents temperate climates, 'D' represents cold climates, and 'E' represents polar climates. These groups generally experience sufficient precipitation to be considered humid, unlike 'B' (Dry climates).

Answer the following questions in about 30 words

1. Which two climatic variables are used by Koeppen for classification of the climate?

Solution: V. Koeppen used two primary climatic variables for his classification system: mean annual temperature and mean monthly temperature, along with precipitation, to define distinct climate regions based on observed data.

2. How is the —genetic | system of classification different from the —empirical one ||?

Solution: An empirical climate classification, like Koeppen's, is based on observed data such as temperature and precipitation. In contrast, a genetic classification attempts to organize climates based on their underlying causes, such as atmospheric circulation patterns or the factors that create them.

3. Which types of climates have very low range of temperature?

Solution: Climates found near the equator, such as the Tropical wet climate (Af), typically have very low ranges of temperature. In these regions, the sun's rays are nearly vertical year-round, leading to consistently high temperatures with minimal seasonal variation. For example, the daily temperature range might be around 10°C (e.g., 20°C to 30°C), but the annual range is negligible.

4. What type of climatic conditions would prevail if the sun spots increase?

Solution: If sunspot activity increases, it is suggested that climatic conditions might become cooler and wetter, potentially accompanied by greater storminess. Conversely, a decrease in sunspot numbers could be associated with warmer and drier weather patterns.

Answer the following questions in about 150 words

1. Make a comparison of the climatic conditions between the —A and —B types of climate.

Solution:

Type A: Tropical Humid Climates

These climates are located within the tropics, between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. They are characterized by high temperatures year-round, as the sun's rays are nearly vertical. The presence of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) contributes to hot and humid conditions. This group is further divided into three subtypes: Af (Tropical wet), Am (Tropical monsoon), and Aw (Tropical wet and dry), each with variations in rainfall patterns but generally high temperatures and humidity.

Type B: Dry Climates

Dry climates are defined by their low rainfall, which is insufficient to support abundant plant growth. These climates cover vast areas, typically found between 15° and 60° north and south of the equator. They are subdivided into steppe or semi-arid climates (BS) and desert climates (BW). Further subdivisions include subtropical steppe (BSh) and subtropical desert (BWh), indicating variations in temperature and aridity within the dry climate category. The defining characteristic is the lack of sufficient moisture.

Common mistakes

Confusing the criteria for different Koeppen climate types.
Misunderstanding the difference between empirical and genetic classification.
Inaccurate comparison of temperature and precipitation ranges for different climates.
Overlooking the significance of specific climatic variables used in classification.

Revision tips

Focus on memorizing the key variables used in Koeppen's classification.
Create a table comparing the characteristics of different climate types (A, B, C, etc.).
Understand the logic behind the classification rather than just memorizing symbols.
Review the explanations for the comparative questions to solidify understanding of climate conditions.

Practice MCQs

Q1. According to Koeppen's classification, which condition is characteristic of the 'A' type of climate?

Q2. Koeppen's system of climate classification is primarily based on:

Q3. Which of the following climate types, according to Koeppen, is typically found in regions with low rainfall insufficient for plant growth?

Q4. Which climate type is known for having a negligible annual range of temperature and uniformly high temperatures?

Q5. A decrease in sunspot numbers may potentially lead to:

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary basis for Koeppen's system of climate classification?

Koeppen's system is an empirical classification based on observed data, specifically mean annual and mean monthly temperature and precipitation.

How does an empirical climate classification differ from a genetic one?

Empirical classification relies on observed data like temperature and precipitation, while genetic classification attempts to explain climates based on their underlying causes.

Which climate type is characterized by very low temperature ranges?

The Tropical wet climate (Af), found near the equator, has a negligible annual range of temperature, with consistently high temperatures.

What are the main subdivisions of the 'A' type climate according to Koeppen?

The 'A' type climates are subdivided into Af (Tropical wet), Am (Tropical monsoon), and Aw (Tropical wet and dry).

What is the significance of the 'B' group in Koeppen's classification?

The 'B' group represents dry climates, characterized by low rainfall that is insufficient for the growth of most plants.

Can sunspots influence climate?

Yes, the text suggests that changes in sunspot numbers may be linked to climatic variations, with increased sunspots potentially leading to cooler, wetter weather and decreased sunspots to warmer, drier conditions.

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