CBSE Class 11 Geography Chapter 4: Climate NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 11 PDF

This chapter delves into the intricacies of India's climate, providing students with a thorough understanding of the factors influencing weather patterns. It covers the causes of rainfall in different regions, the characteristics of various climatic types, and the phenomena associated with monsoon seasons. The solutions explain the mechanisms behind rainfall, the concept of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and the impact of different monsoons. Additionally, it touches upon Koeppen's classification of climates and the origins of winter rainfall in northwestern India. These NCERT Solutions are designed to clarify complex meteorological concepts, helping students build a strong foundation in Indian geography and prepare effectively for their examinations.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 11
SubjectUrdu
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 4

Chapter summary

Chapter 4 of the Class 11 Geography syllabus focuses on India's climate. The NCERT Solutions provided here explain the key elements of Indian weather, including the causes of rainfall, the different monsoon systems (South-West and North-East), and the concept of monsoon bursting. It also covers climatic classifications like Koeppen's and discusses phenomena like cyclones and their impact on rainfall. The solutions aim to provide clear and concise answers to all questions related to India's diverse climatic conditions.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the primary factors influencing India's weather and climate.
  • Identify the causes of rainfall in different regions of India, including Tamil Nadu and the Northeast.
  • Explain the concept and significance of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
  • Describe the phenomenon of 'bursting of monsoon' and identify areas with the highest rainfall.
  • Recognize Koeppen's classification of climate and its application to Indian regions.
  • Differentiate between the climatic conditions of South India and other regions.
  • Analyze the impact of cyclones on winter rainfall in North-Western India.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Factors influencing Indian weather
  • Air pressure and winds
  • Upper air circulation
  • Western disturbances
  • Tropical depressions
  • Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
  • Bursting of monsoon
  • Highest rainfall areas in India
  • Koeppen's climate classification
  • Cyclones and winter rainfall
  • South India's climate characteristics
  • Tropical Savanna Climate ('As')

Important topics

  • Mechanism of Indian Weather
  • South-West and North-East Monsoons
  • Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
  • Bursting of Monsoon
  • Koeppen's Climate Classification
  • Winter Rainfall in North-Western India

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Questions and Solutions

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Choose the right answer from the four alternatives given below:

(i) What causes rainfall on the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu in the beginning of winters?

(a) South-West monsoon

(b) Temperate cyclones

(c) North-Eastern monsoon

(d) Local air circulation

Solution: The coastal areas of Tamil Nadu receive rainfall during the beginning of winters primarily due to the influence of the North-Eastern monsoon. This monsoon blows from land to sea, picking up moisture from the Bay of Bengal, and deposits it along the eastern coast of peninsular India.

Answer: (c) North-Eastern monsoon

(ii) What is the proportion of the area of India which receives annual rainfall less than 75 cm?

(a) Half

(b) One-third

(c) Two-third

(d) Three-fourth

Solution: Approximately one-third of the total area of India receives an annual rainfall of less than 75 cm. This region primarily includes the arid and semi-arid parts of the northwest, the Deccan plateau, and rain shadow areas.

Answer: (b) One-third

(iii) Which one of the following is not a fact regarding South India?

(a) Diurnal range of temperature is less here.

(b) Annual range of temperature is less here.

(c) Temperatures here are high throughout the year.

(d) Extreme climatic conditions are found here.

Solution: South India is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator and the moderating influence of the surrounding seas. Consequently, both the diurnal (daily) and annual ranges of temperature are relatively less. Extreme climatic conditions are generally not found here.

Answer: (d) Extreme climatic conditions are found here.

(iv) Which one of the following phenomenon happens when the sun shines vertically over the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere?

(a) High pressure develops over North-western India due to low temperatures.

(b) Low pressure develops over North-western India due to high temperatures.

(c) No changes in temperature and pressure occur in north-western India.

(d) 'Loo' blows in the North-western India.

Solution: When the sun shines vertically over the Tropic of Capricorn (around December 22nd), it marks winter in the Northern Hemisphere. This leads to low temperatures in North-western India, resulting in the development of a high-pressure zone.

Answer: (a) High pressure develops over North-western India due to low temperatures.

Short Answer Questions

1. In which of the following states in India do we find 'As' type of climate as per Koeppen's classification?

a) In Kerala and coastal Karnataka

b) In Andaman and Nicobar Islands

c) On Coromandel Coast

d) In Assam and Arunachal Pradesh

Solution: The 'As' type of climate, according to Koeppen's classification, represents a tropical savanna climate with a dry summer. This type of climate is found along the Coromandel Coast of India.

Answer: (c) On Coromandel Coast

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words

(i) What are the three important factors which influence the mechanism of Indian weather?

Solution: The mechanism of Indian weather is influenced by:
  1. The distribution of air pressure and winds on the Earth's surface.
  2. Upper air circulation, driven by global weather patterns and jet streams.
  3. The inflow of western disturbances during winter and tropical depressions during the monsoon season.

(ii) What is the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone?

Solution: The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a low-pressure belt located near the equator. It is characterized by the convergence of trade winds from both hemispheres and the subsequent ascent of air, playing a significant role in global weather patterns.

Answer: Inter-Tropical convergence Zone is a low pressure zone located at equator where trade winds converge and the air tends to ascend.

(iii) What is meant by 'bursting of monsoon'? Name the place of India which gets the highest rainfall.

Solution: The 'bursting of monsoon' refers to the sudden onset and intensification of rainfall associated with the arrival of the southwest monsoon over India. Mawsynram, situated in the Khasi hills of Meghalaya, is renowned for receiving the highest rainfall in the world.

Answer: Bursting of monsoon refers to the sudden change in weather conditions during the southwest monsoon, characterized by an abrupt rise in the mean daily rainfall in India during the monsoon season. Mawsynram, located in the crest of Khasi hills in Maghalaya, receives the highest rainfall in the world.

  1. Define 'climatic region'? What are the bases of Koeppen's classification?
Solution: A 'climatic region' is an area that exhibits a general uniformity in its climatic conditions, resulting from the combined effects of various climatic factors. Koeppen's classification of climates is based on the monthly values of temperature and precipitation, using specific symbols to denote different climatic types.

Answer: A climatic region generally possesses a broad uniformity in climatic conditions caused by the combined effect of climatic factors. Koeppen's regions are based on the monthly values of temperature and precipitation.

  1. Which type(s) of cyclones cause rainfall in north-western India during winter? Where do they originate?
Solution: The rainfall in north-western India during winter is primarily caused by temperate cyclones, also known as western disturbances. These cyclones originate over the Mediterranean Sea and travel eastward, bringing precipitation to the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the causes of rainfall for different seasons and regions.
  • Misinterpreting the characteristics of South India's climate.
  • Incorrectly identifying the origin or impact of monsoons and cyclones.
  • Failing to recall the specific criteria for Koeppen's climate classification.

Revision tips

  • Focus on understanding the directional flow of monsoons and their impact on rainfall.
  • Memorize the key factors that influence Indian weather mechanisms.
  • Relate Koeppen's climate types to specific regions in India mentioned in the solutions.
  • Pay attention to the definitions of terms like 'bursting of monsoon' and ITCZ.
  • Review the conditions that lead to rainfall in both summer and winter seasons.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which monsoon is primarily responsible for rainfall in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu at the beginning of winter?

Q2. According to Koeppen's classification, which region in India is characterized by 'As' type climate?

Q3. What is the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?

Q4. Which of the following is NOT a fact regarding South India's climate?

Q5. What phenomenon occurs when the sun is vertically over the Tropic of Capricorn?

Frequently asked questions

What are the main factors that influence the mechanism of Indian weather as per NCERT?

The three main factors are the distribution of air pressure and winds, upper air circulation influenced by global weather patterns and jet streams, and the inflow of western disturbances and tropical depressions.

What causes rainfall in Tamil Nadu during the beginning of winter?

Rainfall in the coastal areas of Tamil Nadu during the beginning of winter is caused by the North-Eastern monsoon.

What is the significance of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?

The ITCZ is a low-pressure zone near the equator where trade winds converge and air ascends, playing a crucial role in the global atmospheric circulation and monsoon systems.

Which place in India receives the highest rainfall?

Mawsynram, located in the Khasi hills of Meghalaya, receives the highest rainfall in the world.

On what basis did Koeppen classify climates?

Koeppen's climate classification is based on the monthly values of temperature and precipitation.

What is meant by the 'bursting of monsoon'?

The 'bursting of monsoon' refers to the sudden onset and increase in rainfall associated with the arrival of the southwest monsoon over India.

How do cyclones affect rainfall in North-Western India during winter?

Cyclones originating from the Mediterranean Sea cause rainfall in North-Western India during winter, often referred to as winter disturbances.

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