Climate and Weather – CBSE NCERT Study Resources
All Question Types with Solutions – CBSE Exam Pattern
Explore a complete set of CBSE-style questions with detailed solutions, categorized by marks and question types. Ideal for exam preparation, revision and practice.
Very Short Answer (1 Mark) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These are 1-mark questions requiring direct, concise answers. Ideal for quick recall and concept clarity.
Wind is caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun. Warm air rises, and cooler air rushes in to fill the gap, creating wind.
Coastal areas have moderate climates because water bodies absorb and release heat slowly, keeping temperatures stable. Land heats and cools faster, causing extreme temperatures inland.
Humidity is the amount of water vapor present in the air. High humidity makes the air feel sticky, while low humidity feels dry.
The three main types of rainfall are:
- Convectional rainfall (due to heating)
- Orographic rainfall (due to mountains)
- Cyclonic rainfall (due to weather systems)
As altitude increases, temperature decreases. Example: Mountains are cooler than plains because the air gets thinner and holds less heat at higher elevations.
The monsoon is a seasonal wind system that brings heavy rainfall to regions like India. It occurs when moist winds from oceans blow toward land during summer.
Deserts have no moisture or clouds to trap heat, so they heat up quickly in the day and lose heat rapidly at night, causing extreme temperature changes.
The Sun is the primary source of energy for weather systems. It heats the Earth unevenly, causing wind, rain, and other weather patterns.
Two factors influencing climate are:
- Distance from the Equator (latitude)
- Height above sea level (altitude)
A weather forecast is a prediction of future weather conditions (like rain or sunshine) using satellites and weather instruments to help people plan activities.
Very Short Answer (2 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 2-mark questions test key concepts in a brief format. Answers are expected to be accurate and slightly descriptive.
Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions like temperature, rainfall, or wind in a specific place at a given time. Climate is the average weather pattern of a place observed over a long period (usually 30 years or more). Example: A rainy day is weather, while a region receiving heavy rainfall every monsoon is its climate.
The instrument used to measure temperature is a thermometer. It has a scale (usually in °C or °F) to show how hot or cold the air is.
The equator receives direct sunlight year-round, making regions near it hot and humid. This leads to tropical climates with heavy rainfall and no distinct seasons.
- Convectional rainfall: Caused by heating of the ground.
- Orographic rainfall: Occurs when moist winds hit mountains.
- Cyclonic rainfall: Due to low-pressure systems like cyclones.
Coastal areas have moderate climates because water bodies absorb and release heat slowly, keeping temperatures stable. Sea breezes also bring cooling effects.
Wind carries moisture and heat from one place to another, affecting temperature and precipitation. For example, monsoon winds bring rain to India.
- Distance from the equator (latitude).
- Altitude (height above sea level).
Mountains force moist winds to rise, cool, and condense, causing orographic rainfall on the windward side. The leeward side remains dry, creating a rain shadow.
- Thermometer: Measures temperature.
- Anemometer: Measures wind speed.
The equatorial region has a hot and humid climate with heavy rainfall year-round, while the polar region is extremely cold with snow and ice covering the land most of the time.
Coastal areas are influenced by sea breezes and water bodies, which absorb and release heat slowly, keeping temperatures moderate. Inland areas lack this effect, leading to hotter summers and colder winters.
Monsoon winds are caused by the difference in heating between land and sea. In summer, land heats up faster, creating low pressure, which draws moist winds from the ocean, bringing heavy rainfall.
- Latitude: Distance from the equator affects temperature.
- Altitude: Higher places are cooler than plains.
Mountains force moist winds to rise, cool, and condense, causing rainfall on the windward side. The leeward side remains dry, creating a rain shadow area.
The ozone layer acts as a shield, absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, protecting living organisms from skin diseases and other health risks.
Short Answer (3 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 3-mark questions require brief explanations and help assess understanding and application of concepts.
The three major climate zones are:
- Polar Zone: Extremely cold temperatures with ice and snow all year.
- Temperate Zone: Moderate temperatures with distinct seasons (summer, winter, spring, autumn).
- Tropical Zone: Hot and humid weather with heavy rainfall, found near the equator.
Monsoon winds bring heavy rainfall to India during the summer months (June to September). These winds are crucial for agriculture as they provide water for crops. Without monsoons, India would face droughts, affecting food production and water supply.
The southwest monsoon brings rain from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, while the northeast monsoon affects southern India in winter.
Coastal areas have a moderate climate because large water bodies like oceans absorb and release heat slowly, keeping temperatures stable. Inland regions, away from water, experience extreme temperatures because land heats up and cools down quickly.
For example, Mumbai (coastal) has milder summers and winters compared to Delhi (inland), where temperatures can be very high in summer and very low in winter.
The main factors influencing climate are:
- Latitude: Distance from the equator affects temperature.
- Altitude: Higher places are cooler than lower ones.
- Distance from the sea: Coastal areas have milder climates.
- Ocean currents: Warm or cold currents affect nearby land temperatures.
- Winds: Global and local winds bring rain or dryness.
Hill stations like Shimla and Darjeeling are cooler because of their high altitude. As we go higher, the air becomes thinner and loses heat quickly. The temperature drops by about 1°C for every 165 meters of height.
Plains, being at lower altitudes, trap more heat, making them hotter. This is why people visit hill stations to escape the summer heat.
The sun is the primary source of energy for Earth's weather and climate. Here's how:
- It heats the Earth unevenly, creating temperature differences that cause winds and ocean currents.
- It drives the water cycle, leading to evaporation, cloud formation, and rainfall.
- Long-term solar energy patterns affect climate zones by determining temperature and precipitation.
Mountains influence climate in two main ways:
- Rainfall: When moist air rises over mountains, it cools and causes rainfall on the windward side, leaving the other side dry (called rain shadow effect).
- Temperature: Higher altitudes are cooler, so mountain regions have colder climates than nearby plains.
Coastal areas have moderate climates because:
- Water bodies absorb and release heat slowly, keeping temperatures stable.
- Sea breezes cool the land during the day, while warm air from the land flows to the sea at night.
- Inland areas lack this regulation, so they experience extreme hot or cold temperatures.
Monsoon winds are crucial for India's climate because:
- They bring heavy rainfall during summer (June-September), supporting agriculture.
- They reverse direction in winter, bringing dry weather.
- Without monsoons, India would face droughts, affecting crops and water supply.
The main factors affecting climate are:
- Latitude: Distance from the equator determines temperature (e.g., tropics are hotter).
- Altitude: Higher places are cooler (e.g., mountains).
- Distance from the sea: Coastal areas have milder climates.
- Wind patterns: Winds carry heat and moisture.
- Ocean currents: Warm or cold currents influence nearby climates.
Monsoon winds bring seasonal changes to India:
- Summer Monsoon: Moist winds from the Indian Ocean cause heavy rainfall, crucial for agriculture.
- Winter Monsoon: Dry winds from land lead to cooler, drier weather.
These winds define India's tropical monsoon climate, supporting crops like rice and affecting water resources.
Long Answer (5 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 5-mark questions are descriptive and require detailed, structured answers with proper explanation and examples.
Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a particular time, such as temperature, rainfall, or wind. For example, a sunny day or a sudden thunderstorm describes the weather. On the other hand, climate is the average weather pattern of a region over a long period (usually 30 years or more). For instance, a desert has a hot and dry climate, while a coastal area has a moderate and humid climate.
Both weather and climate impact our daily lives in different ways:
- Weather affects our daily activities, like wearing warm clothes on a cold day or carrying an umbrella when it rains.
- Climate influences long-term decisions, such as the types of crops grown in a region or the design of houses to withstand local conditions.
Understanding these differences helps us prepare for seasonal changes and adapt to our environment better.
The climate of a place is influenced by several key factors:
- Latitude: Places near the equator receive direct sunlight and are warmer, while polar regions are colder due to slanting sunlight.
- Altitude: Higher altitudes have cooler temperatures, like mountainous areas.
- Distance from the sea: Coastal areas have moderate climates, while inland regions experience extreme temperatures.
- Winds and ocean currents: They carry moisture and heat, affecting rainfall and temperature patterns.
These factors determine the type of vegetation in a region:
- Hot and wet climates support dense tropical rainforests.
- Dry climates lead to desert vegetation like cacti.
- Cold regions have coniferous forests with needle-like leaves to reduce water loss.
Thus, climate shapes the natural environment and the life forms that thrive there.
Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area, such as temperature, rainfall, or wind, which can change within hours or days. For example, a sunny morning turning into a rainy afternoon shows changing weather.
Climate, on the other hand, is the average weather pattern of a place observed over a long period (usually 30 years or more). For instance, Rajasthan has a hot desert climate with very little rainfall throughout the year.
Both weather and climate impact our daily lives:
- Weather affects our clothing choices (e.g., wearing a raincoat during monsoon).
- Climate influences the types of crops grown in a region (e.g., tea in Assam due to its wet climate).
Understanding these differences helps us prepare for seasonal changes and plan activities like farming or travel.
The climate of a region is influenced by several factors:
- Latitude: Places near the equator receive direct sunlight, making them hotter (e.g., tropical rainforests in the Amazon).
- Altitude: Higher areas like mountains are cooler (e.g., snow-covered peaks in the Himalayas).
- Distance from the sea: Coastal areas have moderate climates, while inland regions experience extremes (e.g., Kerala vs. Rajasthan).
- Wind patterns: Monsoon winds bring heavy rains to India, supporting crops like rice.
- Ocean currents: Warm currents make nearby regions warmer (e.g., UK's mild climate due to the Gulf Stream).
These factors determine vegetation:
- Hot and wet climates support dense forests (e.g., Sundarbans mangroves).
- Dry climates have thorny bushes (e.g., cactus in deserts).
- Cold climates favor coniferous trees (e.g., pine trees in the Alps).
Thus, climate shapes the natural environment and biodiversity of a region.
The climate of a place is influenced by several factors:
- Latitude: Places near the equator receive direct sunlight and are warmer, while polar regions are colder. In India, southern states like Tamil Nadu are warmer than northern states like Jammu & Kashmir.
- Altitude: Higher areas are cooler due to thinner air. For example, Shimla has a cooler climate than Delhi.
- Distance from the sea: Coastal areas have moderate climates, while inland regions experience extremes. Mumbai has a milder climate than Bikaner.
- Wind patterns: Monsoon winds bring heavy rainfall to Kerala, while western Rajasthan remains dry.
- Ocean currents: They regulate temperatures in coastal regions.
These factors create regional variations in India:
- The Himalayas block cold winds, giving North India extreme winters.
- The Thar Desert causes hot and dry conditions in Rajasthan.
- The Western Ghats force monsoon winds to shed rain on the windward side, making Kerala lush green.
Understanding these factors helps explain why India has diverse climates, from tropical to temperate.
Case-based Questions (4 Marks) – with Solutions (CBSE Pattern)
These 4-mark case-based questions assess analytical skills through real-life scenarios. Answers must be based on the case study provided.
Explain why this difference occurs and name the season associated with Rahul's observation.
The difference occurs due to the monsoon winds affecting different regions at different times. Rahul's city receives heavy rainfall because it lies in the path of the southwest monsoon, which brings rain from June to September. This period is known as the rainy season or monsoon season.
His cousin's city might be in a rain shadow area or a region where monsoon winds do not reach, resulting in dry weather. This variation is a key feature of India's climate diversity.
Identify the weather phenomenon and explain how it affects daily life.
The sudden drop in temperature and strong winds indicate a cold wave or western disturbance, common in North India during winter.
Effects on daily life:
- People wear warm clothes to protect themselves.
- Fog may reduce visibility, affecting transport.
- Crops can be damaged due to frost.
City A: Hot days, cool nights, less rainfall.
City B: Moderate temperatures, high rainfall throughout the year.
Compare their climates and suggest one reason for the difference.
City A has a desert climate (hot days, cool nights, less rainfall), while City B has a coastal climate (moderate temperatures, high rainfall).
The difference arises because:
- City A is inland, far from water bodies, leading to extreme temperatures and dry air.
- City B is near the coast, where sea breezes keep temperatures steady and bring moisture, causing frequent rain.
(a) Identify the two types of climates described here.
(b) Explain why these differences occur in India.
(a) The two types of climates described are:
Monsoon climate (heavy rainfall in Riya's city) and Dry climate (dry weather in her cousin's city).
(b) These differences occur due to:
- The monsoon winds bring heavy rainfall to some regions (like Riya's city) as they carry moisture from the sea.
- Other regions (like her cousin's city) may lie in the rain shadow area of mountains or receive less moisture, leading to dry weather.
For example, coastal areas receive more rain, while deserts like Rajasthan remain dry during monsoons.
(a) Name the factor causing this temperature difference.
(b) How does this factor influence the climate of a place?
(a) The factor causing this difference is altitude (height above sea level).
(b) Altitude influences climate because:
- As we go higher, the temperature decreases (Shimla is cooler due to its location in the mountains).
- Plains like Delhi are hotter as they are closer to sea level and absorb more heat.
This is why hill stations like Shimla are cooler even in summer compared to cities on plains.
(a) How does climate affect the choice of crops in these regions?
(b) Give one example of a crop grown in each region and explain why it suits the climate there.
(a) Climate affects crop choice because:
- Regions with heavy rainfall (like Tamil Nadu) support water-intensive crops.
- Dry regions (like Rajasthan) grow crops that need less water.
(b) Examples:
Rice in Tamil Nadu: Needs abundant water, which the monsoon provides.
Bajra (millet) in Rajasthan: Grows well in dry, hot weather with minimal water.
Farmers choose crops based on rainfall and temperature patterns in their area.
(a) What is this seasonal pattern of rainfall called?
(b) Why does this happen?
(c) Name one activity that gets affected by this seasonal change.
(a) This seasonal pattern of rainfall is called the monsoon.
(b) It happens because of the seasonal reversal of wind direction. During summer, moist winds from the ocean bring heavy rain, while in winter, dry winds from land result in less rainfall.
(c) Farming gets affected by this change because crops depend on monsoon rains for growth.
(a) What type of climate is this?
(b) How is this different from the climate in coastal areas?
(c) Why do hill stations have cooler temperatures?
(a) This is a cold or mountainous climate.
(b) Coastal areas have moderate temperatures due to the influence of the sea, while hill stations experience lower temperatures because of higher altitude.
(c) Hill stations are cooler because temperature decreases with altitude. The air becomes thinner, and less heat is retained.
(a) What could be the reason for this difference?
(b) How does distance from the sea affect temperature?
(c) Which city is likely to have higher humidity and why?
(a) The difference is due to distance from the sea. Delhi, being inland, experiences extreme temperatures, while Chennai, near the coast, has a moderate climate.
(b) Places near the sea have stable temperatures because water heats and cools slowly. Inland areas heat up and cool down faster.
(c) Chennai has higher humidity because coastal cities receive more moisture from the sea.
(a) What type of climate does Rahul's town have?
(b) Why does the humidity decrease in winter?
(a) Rahul's town has a tropical coastal climate. This type of climate is characterized by hot and humid weather for most of the year, with slight variations in temperature during winters.
(b) The humidity decreases in winter because the air holds less moisture when the temperature drops. Cooler air cannot retain as much water vapor as warm air, leading to lower humidity levels.
Day 1: Sunny, 32°C
Day 2: Rainy, 28°C
Day 3: Cloudy, 26°C
Day 4: Thunderstorm, 24°C
Day 5: Sunny, 30°C
(a) Identify the day with the most extreme weather.
(b) How does a thunderstorm affect the temperature?
(a) Day 4 had the most extreme weather because a thunderstorm occurred, which is a severe weather condition involving heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds.
(b) A thunderstorm affects the temperature by cooling the air. The rain and clouds block sunlight, and the evaporation of rainwater absorbs heat, leading to a drop in temperature.
(a) Why do mountains have colder temperatures than plains?
(b) How does altitude affect climate?
(a) Mountains have colder temperatures than plains because air temperature decreases with altitude. The higher you go, the thinner the air becomes, and it cannot retain heat as effectively.
(b) Altitude affects climate by influencing temperature and air pressure.
Higher altitudes result in:
- Lower temperatures due to thinner air
- Reduced air pressure, which affects weather patterns
- Different types of vegetation and animal life adapted to cooler conditions