NCERT MCQ of class 9 Social Science (CONTEMPORARY INDIA) Chapter no 4 CLIMATE

NCERT MCQ of class 9 Social Science (CONTEMPORARY INDIA) Chapter no 4 CLIMATE

December 22, 2024

NCERT MCQs of Class 9 Social Science (CONTEMPORARY INDIA) Chapter no 4 (CLIMATE)

1. The word 'monsoon' is derived from which language?

(a) Arabic
(b) Greek
(c) Latin
(d) Sanskrit
Answer: (a) Arabic
Explanation: The term 'monsoon' comes from the Arabic word mausim, meaning "season," signifying the seasonal reversal of wind direction.

2. What type of climate does India have?

(a) Temperate
(b) Tropical monsoon
(c) Mediterranean
(d) Continental
Answer: (b) Tropical monsoon
Explanation: India’s climate is categorized as a monsoon type due to its distinct seasonal rainfall patterns and wind reversal.

3. Which factor significantly influences the climate of India?

(a) Proximity to the equator
(b) Latitude and altitude
(c) Ocean currents
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Latitude, altitude, and proximity to the sea, along with ocean currents, are the major climatic controls in India.

4. Which part of India experiences the highest diurnal range of temperature?

(a) Coastal areas
(b) Thar Desert
(c) Western Ghats
(d) Himalayan foothills
Answer: (b) Thar Desert
Explanation: The Thar Desert has extreme day-night temperature variations, with hot days and cold nights.

5. Mawsynram, the wettest place on Earth, is located in which state?

(a) Assam
(b) Meghalaya
(c) Arunachal Pradesh
(d) Manipur
Answer: (b) Meghalaya
Explanation: Mawsynram, in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, receives the highest average annual rainfall globally.

6. Why do houses in Rajasthan have thick walls and flat roofs?

(a) To retain heat
(b) To protect from rainfall
(c) To withstand high temperatures
(d) None of the above
Answer: (c) To withstand high temperatures
Explanation: Thick walls insulate against extreme heat, while flat roofs help store rainwater in arid conditions.

7. What is the primary source of winter rainfall in northwestern India?

(a) Cyclonic disturbances
(b) Retreating monsoon
(c) Local thunderstorms
(d) Bay of Bengal winds
Answer: (a) Cyclonic disturbances
Explanation: Western cyclonic disturbances originating from the Mediterranean cause winter rains in northwestern India.

8. Which wind system causes monsoon in India?

(a) Westerlies
(b) Northeast trade winds
(c) Southwest trade winds
(d) Polar winds
Answer: (c) Southwest trade winds
Explanation: The southwest monsoon winds bring rainfall by carrying moisture from the Indian Ocean.

9. The Tamil Nadu coast receives most of its rainfall during:

(a) Advancing monsoon
(b) Retreating monsoon
(c) Winter season
(d) Summer season
Answer: (b) Retreating monsoon
Explanation: The Tamil Nadu coast receives rainfall when the northeast winds blow over the Bay of Bengal and bring moisture.

10. Which part of India receives rainfall in winter?

(a) Northern Plains
(b) Western Ghats
(c) Tamil Nadu coast
(d) Assam
Answer: (c) Tamil Nadu coast
Explanation: The Tamil Nadu coast receives winter rainfall due to the northeast monsoon winds.

11. The Coriolis force deflects winds to which direction in the Northern Hemisphere?

(a) Left
(b) Right
(c) Upward
(d) Downward
Answer: (b) Right
Explanation: The Coriolis effect, caused by Earth’s rotation, deflects winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

12. Which season is marked by the phenomenon of 'loo' winds?

(a) Winter
(b) Summer
(c) Monsoon
(d) Post-monsoon
Answer: (b) Summer
Explanation: Loo are hot, dry winds that blow during the day in northern and northwestern India during summer.

13. What is the typical velocity of southwest monsoon winds?

(a) 10 km/h
(b) 20 km/h
(c) 30 km/h
(d) 40 km/h
Answer: (c) 30 km/h
Explanation: The southwest monsoon winds blow with an average speed of 30 km/h.

14. What causes October heat?

(a) Rising humidity and temperature
(b) Retreating monsoon
(c) Decreasing temperature
(d) None of the above
Answer: (a) Rising humidity and temperature
Explanation: High humidity and warm conditions after monsoon withdrawal cause oppressive October heat.

15. The leeward side of mountains is generally:

(a) Wet
(b) Dry
(c) Moderately humid
(d) Cool
Answer: (b) Dry
Explanation: The leeward side of mountains lies in the rain shadow area, making it dry.

16. Which region receives the highest annual rainfall in India?

(a) Northern Plains
(b) Western Ghats
(c) Northeastern region
(d) Coastal Tamil Nadu
Answer: (c) Northeastern region
Explanation: The northeastern region, including Mawsynram, receives over 400 cm of annual rainfall.

17. Why does the monsoon have 'breaks' in India?

(a) Due to Coriolis force
(b) Due to shifting of the monsoon trough
(c) Due to cyclonic disturbances
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) Due to shifting of the monsoon trough
Explanation: Breaks in monsoon occur when the monsoon trough shifts northward or southward.

18. The western coast of India receives heavy rainfall due to:

(a) Westerly winds
(b) Moist southwest monsoon winds
(c) Continental winds
(d) Cyclonic disturbances
Answer: (b) Moist southwest monsoon winds
Explanation: The windward side of the Western Ghats receives heavy rainfall from southwest monsoon winds.

19. The highest temperature in India during summer is recorded in:

(a) Thar Desert
(b) Gujarat
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Deccan Plateau
Answer: (a) Thar Desert
Explanation: The Thar Desert experiences extreme summer temperatures, often exceeding 45°C.

20. What is the average temperature range in Chennai during winter?

(a) 10–15°C
(b) 15–20°C
(c) 24–25°C
(d) 30–35°C
Answer: (c) 24–25°C
Explanation: Chennai’s coastal location ensures moderate winter temperatures between 24°C and 25°C.

21. Which type of climate is characterized by alternating wet and dry seasons?

(a) Tropical rainforest
(b) Monsoon
(c) Mediterranean
(d) Arid
Answer: (b) Monsoon
Explanation: Monsoon climates alternate between wet and dry seasons due to seasonal wind reversal.

22. Which is a major factor controlling the temperature in India?

(a) Ocean currents
(b) Latitude
(c) Prevailing winds
(d) Elevation
Answer: (b) Latitude
Explanation: India’s wide latitudinal extent causes significant variations in temperature across regions.

23. What is the name of the warm ocean current in the Indian Ocean?

(a) Kuroshio Current
(b) Somali Current
(c) Agulhas Current
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) Somali Current
Explanation: The Somali Current, near Africa, influences the monsoon system.

24. The summer monsoon typically arrives in India around:

(a) May 1
(b) June 1
(c) July 1
(d) August 1
Answer: (b) June 1
Explanation: The southwest monsoon generally begins in Kerala around June 1.

25. Which wind system is responsible for retreating monsoons?

(a) Northeast winds
(b) Southwest monsoon winds
(c) Westerlies
(d) Polar winds
Answer: (a) Northeast winds
Explanation: The retreating monsoon occurs due to the northeast trade winds blowing over the Bay of Bengal.

26. Which of the following regions does not experience a monsoon climate?

(a) Rajasthan
(b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(d) Ladakh
Answer: (d) Ladakh
Explanation: Ladakh has a cold desert climate, not a monsoon climate.

27. Which of the following seasons is characterized by low-pressure systems developing over the Indian subcontinent?

(a) Summer
(b) Winter
(c) Monsoon
(d) Post-monsoon
Answer: (a) Summer
Explanation: Low-pressure systems over the northern plains during summer attract southwest monsoon winds.

28. What is the name of the pressure belt over the Indian Ocean during summer?

(a) Equatorial low
(b) Subtropical high
(c) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
(d) Polar high
Answer: (c) Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
Explanation: ITCZ stands for the Intertropical Convergence Zone.
It is a low-pressure belt near the equator where trade winds from both hemispheres converge, causing significant rainfall and influencing monsoon patterns. The ITCZ shifts northward in summer, influencing monsoon winds.

29. Which part of India experiences the coldest winters?

(a) Rajasthan
(b) Himalayan region
(c) Kerala
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: (b) Himalayan region
Explanation: The Himalayan region, due to its high altitude, has the coldest winters.

30. Which winds are responsible for heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats?

(a) Cyclonic disturbances
(b) Westerlies
(c) Southwest monsoon winds
(d) Polar winds
Answer: (c) Southwest monsoon winds
Explanation: The moist southwest monsoon winds cause heavy rainfall on the windward side of the Western Ghats.

31. What is the average rainfall in India?

(a) 50 cm
(b) 80 cm
(c) 125 cm
(d) 200 cm
Answer: (c) 125 cm
Explanation: The average annual rainfall in India is approximately 125 cm.

32. Why does the Deccan Plateau receive less rainfall?

(a) It lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats.
(b) It is far from the sea.
(c) It has dry winds.
(d) It is a plateau region.
Answer: (a) It lies in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats.
Explanation: The Western Ghats block the monsoon winds, leaving the Deccan Plateau relatively dry.

33. Which of the following is an example of a local wind?

(a) Loo
(b) Chinook
(c) Foehn
(d) Mistral
Answer: (a) Loo
Explanation: The loo is a hot, dry wind blowing in northern India during summer.

34. The Indian monsoon is influenced by:

(a) Jet streams
(b) Subtropical high-pressure belt
(c) Himalayas
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: The Indian monsoon is affected by jet streams, the subtropical high-pressure belt, and the Himalayas.

35. Why is the Bay of Bengal more prone to cyclones than the Arabian Sea?

(a) Higher sea surface temperature
(b) Lack of mountains
(c) Stronger winds
(d) More moisture in the air
Answer: (a) Higher sea surface temperature
Explanation: The Bay of Bengal’s warm waters generate more cyclones.

36. What causes the monsoon trough to shift?

(a) Rotation of the Earth
(b) Heating of landmass
(c) Cooling of the sea
(d) Seasonal migration of the ITCZ
Answer: (d) Seasonal migration of the ITCZ
Explanation: The ITCZ shifts seasonally, causing the monsoon trough to move.

37. Which of the following regions has the highest annual rainfall in India?

(a) Meghalaya
(b) Kerala
(c) Assam
(d) Western Ghats
Answer: (a) Meghalaya
Explanation: Mawsynram in Meghalaya receives the highest annual rainfall.

38. The main cause of winter rainfall in Tamil Nadu is:

(a) Retreating monsoon
(b) Western disturbances
(c) Cyclones
(d) Local thunderstorms
Answer: (a) Retreating monsoon
Explanation: The northeast winds bring moisture from the Bay of Bengal, causing winter rainfall in Tamil Nadu.

39. What causes variability in rainfall during monsoon?

(a) Uneven terrain
(b) Cyclonic disturbances
(c) Shifting monsoon trough
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Rainfall variability is influenced by terrain, cyclones, and shifts in the monsoon trough.

40. Which region in India experiences the hottest summer temperatures?

(a) Gujarat
(b) Rajasthan
(c) Madhya Pradesh
(d) Chhattisgarh
Answer: (b) Rajasthan
Explanation: Rajasthan has the highest summer temperatures, often exceeding 45°C.

41. What is a distinguishing feature of the retreating monsoon?

(a) Heavy rainfall
(b) Clear skies and high temperature
(c) Strong winds
(d) Formation of gorges
Answer: (b) Clear skies and high temperature
Explanation: The retreating monsoon is marked by clear skies and high daytime temperatures.

42. Which season marks the transition from monsoon to winter?

(a) Post-monsoon
(b) Summer
(c) Spring
(d) Autumn
Answer: (a) Post-monsoon
Explanation: The post-monsoon season transitions between the rainy monsoon and dry winter seasons.

43. The ITCZ in India shifts northward during:

(a) Summer
(b) Winter
(c) Post-monsoon
(d) Spring
Answer: (a) Summer
Explanation: The ITCZ shifts northward in summer due to intense heating of the Indian landmass.

44. The Western Ghats are most important for:

(a) Blocking monsoon winds
(b) Cyclone formation
(c) Formation of deserts
(d) Seasonal flooding
Answer: (a) Blocking monsoon winds
Explanation: The Western Ghats trap moisture-laden monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side.

45. Which season is associated with cyclonic depressions in the Bay of Bengal?

(a) Summer
(b) Monsoon
(c) Post-monsoon
(d) Winter
Answer: (c) Post-monsoon
Explanation: Cyclonic depressions are common in the Bay of Bengal during the post-monsoon season.

46. The northeast monsoon winds are:

(a) Dry and cold
(b) Moist and warm
(c) Hot and dry
(d) Cool and dry
Answer: (d) Cool and dry
Explanation: The northeast monsoon winds are dry as they originate from the land.

47. Which of the following is not a climatic control?

(a) Latitude
(b) Altitude
(c) Population density
(d) Ocean currents
Answer: (c) Population density
Explanation: Population density does not influence climate directly.

48. What is the average annual rainfall required for tropical forests?

(a) 100 cm
(b) 200 cm
(c) 250 cm
(d) 300 cm
Answer: (b) 200 cm
Explanation: Tropical forests thrive in areas receiving over 200 cm of rainfall annually.

49. What is the coldest month in most parts of India?

(a) November
(b) December
(c) January
(d) February
Answer: (c) January
Explanation: January is generally the coldest month in India due to low temperatures.

50. What causes the 'loo' to stop blowing in northern India?

(a) Cyclonic activity
(b) Onset of monsoon
(c) High-pressure systems
(d) Retreat of winter
Answer: (b) Onset of monsoon
Explanation: The loo stops when the monsoon winds bring moisture and cool down the region.

51. Which region in India is most affected by tropical cyclones?

(a) Western Ghats
(b) Eastern Coastal Plains
(c) Northern Plains
(d) Thar Desert
Answer: (b) Eastern Coastal Plains
Explanation: Tropical cyclones frequently hit the eastern coastal plains due to their proximity to the Bay of Bengal.

52. What is the approximate duration of the monsoon season in India?

(a) 2 months
(b) 3 months
(c) 4 months
(d) 5 months
Answer: (c) 4 months
Explanation: The monsoon typically lasts from June to September in India.

53. Which phenomenon leads to the formation of rainfall during monsoons?

(a) Convection
(b) Orographic uplift
(c) Cyclonic circulation
(d) All of the above
Answer: (d) All of the above
Explanation: Monsoon rainfall occurs due to convection, orographic uplift, and cyclonic activity.

54. Which region receives the least rainfall in India?

(a) Thar Desert
(b) Tamil Nadu Coast
(c) Ladakh
(d) Chotanagpur Plateau
Answer: (c) Ladakh
Explanation: Ladakh receives minimal rainfall due to its cold desert climate.

55. Which month is typically associated with retreating monsoons?

(a) June
(b) September
(c) October
(d) November
Answer: (c) October
Explanation: The retreating monsoon starts in October as winds begin to withdraw southward.

56. Which pressure belt is located at the Tropic of Cancer?

(a) Polar low
(b) Subtropical high
(c) Equatorial low
(d) Subpolar low
Answer: (b) Subtropical high
Explanation: The subtropical high-pressure belt lies near the Tropic of Cancer.

57. Which is not a characteristic of a tropical monsoon climate?

(a) Distinct wet and dry seasons
(b) High annual rainfall
(c) Minimal temperature variations
(d) Strong cyclonic winds in summer
Answer: (c) Minimal temperature variations
Explanation: A tropical monsoon climate shows significant temperature variations.

58. The Northern Plains experience fog in winter due to:

(a) High humidity and low temperature
(b) Dry air
(c) Westerly winds
(d) Dense vegetation
Answer: (a) High humidity and low temperature
Explanation: Fog forms in the Northern Plains due to high humidity and low winter temperatures.

59. What prevents the monsoon winds from crossing into Central Asia?

(a) Western Ghats
(b) Aravallis
(c) Himalayas
(d) Deccan Plateau
Answer: (c) Himalayas
Explanation: The Himalayas act as a barrier, deflecting monsoon winds back into the Indian subcontinent.

60. What is the primary cause of drought in India?

(a) Weak monsoon
(b) Lack of cyclonic activity
(c) Low humidity
(d) Westerly winds
Answer: (a) Weak monsoon
Explanation: A weak or delayed monsoon often leads to drought conditions in India.

MCQs from the Exercise part of the chapter.

Which one of the following places receives the highest rainfall in the world?

(a) Silchar
(b) Cherrapunji
(c) Mawsynram
(d) Guwahati
Answer: (c) Mawsynram
Explanation: Mawsynram, located in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, is the wettest place on Earth, receiving the highest annual rainfall.

The wind blowing in the northern plains in summers is known as:

(a) Kaal Baisakhi
(b) Loo
(c) Trade winds
(d) None of the above
Answer: (b) Loo
Explanation: The loo is a hot and dry wind that blows over the northern plains during the summer months, causing extremely high temperatures.

Which one of the following causes rainfall during winters in northwestern part of India?

(a) Cyclonic depression
(b) Western disturbances
(c) Retreating monsoon
(d) Southwest monsoon
Answer: (b) Western disturbances
Explanation: Western disturbances, originating from the Mediterranean region, bring winter rainfall to northwestern India.

Monsoon arrives in India approximately in:

(a) Early May
(b) Early July
(c) Early June
(d) Early August
Answer: (c) Early June
Explanation: The southwest monsoon typically arrives in Kerala, marking the onset of the rainy season, around the first week of June.

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