CLASS 9 GEOGRAPHY – CHAPTER: CLIMATE
(DETAILED NOTES WITH IMPORTANT QUESTIONS)
1. CLIMATE
Climate refers to the average weather conditions of a place over a long period of time, usually 30
years or more. It includes temperature, rainfall, humidity, and wind conditions. Climate helps us
understand the general pattern of weather of a place.
Difference Between Weather and Climate
Weather refers to the day-to-day condition of the atmosphere, while climate refers to the average
condition over many years. Weather changes frequently, but climate remains relatively stable.
2. FACTORS AFFECTING CLIMATE OF INDIA
(a) Latitude: India lies near the Tropic of Cancer, which divides the country into tropical and
subtropical regions. Areas closer to the Equator are warmer.
(b) Altitude: As altitude increases, temperature decreases. Therefore, hill stations are cooler than
plains.
(c) Pressure and Wind System: Seasonal changes in pressure lead to reversal of winds, causing
monsoon rainfall.
(d) Distance from the Sea: Coastal areas experience moderate climate, while interior regions face
extreme temperatures.
(e) Relief Features: The Himalayas block cold winds from Central Asia and help cause rainfall.
3. INDIAN MONSOON
India has a monsoon type climate. Monsoon refers to the seasonal reversal of wind direction during
the year. These winds bring seasonal rainfall, which is very important for agriculture.
4. SEASONS OF INDIA
(i) Cold Weather Season (December to February)
Temperatures are low, skies are clear, and rainfall is minimal. Northeast trade winds blow. Tamil
Nadu receives rainfall during this season.
(ii) Hot Weather Season (March to May)
Temperatures rise sharply. Hot dry winds called Loo blow in North India. Local storms like
Kalbaisakhi and mango showers occur.
(iii) Advancing Monsoon Season (June to September)
South-West monsoon winds bring heavy rainfall. There are two branches – Arabian Sea branch
and Bay of Bengal branch. This season provides about 75% of India’s annual rainfall.
(iv) Retreating Monsoon Season (October to November)
Monsoon winds retreat. Tamil Nadu receives rainfall. Cyclones may occur in the Bay of Bengal.
5. DISTRIBUTION OF RAINFALL IN INDIA
Heavy rainfall: Western Ghats, North-Eastern states
Moderate rainfall: Northern Plains
Low rainfall: Rajasthan, Ladakh
6. IMPORTANCE OF MONSOON
Monsoon is vital for agriculture, water supply, power generation, and the economy of India. Failure
of monsoon leads to droughts and crop failure.
IMPORTANT EXAM QUESTIONS
Very Short Answer Questions
1. What is climate?
2. What is monsoon?
3. Name the hot winds of North India.
4. Which season receives maximum rainfall in India?
Short Answer Questions
1. Differentiate between weather and climate.
2. State three factors affecting the climate of India.
3. What are mango showers?
Long Answer Questions
1. Describe the main features of the cold weather season in India.
2. Explain the mechanism of monsoon in India.
3. Describe the distribution of rainfall in India.
LAST-MINUTE REVISION POINTS
• India has a monsoon type of climate.
• Four main seasons occur in India.
• South-West monsoon gives maximum rainfall.
• Monsoon is important for agriculture and economy.
