Question 1

Which term refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long period of time (more than thirty years)?

Accepted Answer

Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long period of time (more than thirty years). Weather, on the other hand, is the state of the atmosphere over an area at any given point of time.

Question 2

What does the word 'monsoon' originate from?

Accepted Answer

The word 'monsoon' is derived from the Arabic word 'mausim', which means season. It refers to the seasonal reversal in the wind direction during a year.

Question 3

Which of the following places in India experiences the highest average rainfall?

Accepted Answer

Mawsynram in the southern ranges of the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya receives the highest average rainfall in the world.

Question 4

Which wind brings rainfall to the Tamil Nadu coast during winter?

Accepted Answer

During winter, north-east trade winds prevail over the country. They blow from land to sea and hence, for most part, it is a dry season. However, while blowing over the Bay of Bengal, they pick up moisture and bring rainfall to the Tamil Nadu coast.

Question 5

What is the primary cause of rainfall during winters in northern plains of India?

Accepted Answer

Winter rains in the northern plains of India are locally known as 'mahawat' and are caused by western disturbances, which are weather phenomena brought in by the westerly flow from the Mediterranean region.