NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 3
Climates of India
India experiences a diverse range of climates due to its vast size, varied topography, and location. This chapter discusses the four main seasons in India — winter, summer, monsoon, and retreating monsoon — and the factors that influence India's climate. Students will understand the role of the monsoon in shaping agriculture and life in India.
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Key Terms
- Monsoon
- The seasonal reversal of winds that brings heavy rainfall to India between June and September, critical for agriculture and water supply.
- Retreating Monsoon
- The period from October to December when the southwest monsoon withdraws from India, sometimes causing rainfall on the southeastern coast.
- Western Disturbances
- Extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region that cause rainfall and snowfall in northern India during winter.
- Loo
- A hot, dry, and dust-laden wind that blows during the afternoon in the summer months across the northern plains of India.
- Rainfall Distribution
- The uneven spread of rainfall across India, with the northeast and western coasts receiving heavy rain while regions like Rajasthan receive very little.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four seasons of India?▾
India has four main seasons: Winter (December to February), Summer (March to May), Southwest Monsoon or Rainy Season (June to September), and Retreating Monsoon (October to November).
Why does India receive monsoon rainfall?▾
India receives monsoon rainfall because during summer, the land heats up faster than the sea, creating low pressure over India. Moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean are drawn in and rise over land, causing heavy rainfall.
Which parts of India receive the highest rainfall?▾
Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya receive the highest rainfall in India due to their location on the windward side of hills that force monsoon clouds to rise and precipitate.
Why is Rajasthan a desert despite being in India?▾
Rajasthan receives very little rainfall because the Aravalli hills run parallel to the direction of the monsoon winds, failing to intercept them, and the region is far from the sea on the leeward side.
How does climate affect agriculture in India?▾
India's climate, especially the monsoon, is crucial for agriculture as most farming depends on seasonal rainfall. Crop patterns, sowing and harvesting times, and water availability are all determined by climatic conditions.
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