Question 1

Composition
of
What is the significance of atmosphere?

atmosphere
Answer

The significance of atmosphere can be summarised as follows:

1. It maintains the temperature of the Earth by trapping the heat of solar radiation.

2. It provides us important gases like Oxygen (needed for respiration), Nitrogen (cell formation) and Carbon dioxide
(keeps the earth warm).

3. It absorbs ultraviolet solar radiation.

4. Atmosphere exerts pressure which balances internal pressure of organisms.

Question 2

State the components of the atmosphere.

Answer

The Earth's atmosphere consists of a mixture of various gases surrounding the Earth. It is an envelope of gases
encompassing the Earth, held by gravity. Two main gases Nitrogen (78%) and Oxygen (21%), make up about 99% of the
clean dry air. The remaining gases are almost inert and constitute about 1% of atmosphere. Out of this 1%, Argon is
0.93%. The atmosphere also contains water vapour and dust particles.

Question 3

Name the different layers of the atmosphere.

Answer

The atmosphere consists of four layers:

1. Troposphere

2. Stratosphere

3. Ionosphere

4. Exosphere

Question 4

State the important characteristics of each of the layers.

Answer

Troposphere

1. It is the lowermost atmospheric layer. Under normal conditions, the height of the troposphere is about 8 km at
the Poles and about 18 km at the Equator.

2. All weather phenomena takes place in this layer.

3. In addition to pure air, it contains water vapour and dust.

4. There is decrease in temperature with increasing altitude at the rate of 6.4° C per km in troposphere.

5. Tropopause marks the upper boundary of troposphere.

Stratosphere

1. The lower most limit of stratosphere is at tropopause. It extends from 18 to 80 km.

2. It is free from water vapour and dust.

 3. Temperature does not change with altitude. In certain situations slight increase in temperature (with elevation)
may be noticed.

4. No weather phenomena is seen accept Cirrus cloud formation in lower part.

5. It has Ozone layer. There is a maximum concentration of ozone, a vital gas between 20-30 km.

Ionosphere

1. Ionosphere extends from 80 km to about 480 km.

2. The ionisation of molecules and atoms occurs mainly as a result of ultraviolet rays, X-rays and gamma rays.

3. The temperature decreases with increase in elevation until a low point of -100℃ is reached. Beyond this level,
the temperature increases again as a result of absorption of short wave solar radiation by the atoms of oxygen.

4. Nitrogen in the extremely rarified air of ionosphere.

5. Ionosphere reflects low frequency radio waves, but absorbs medium and high frequency waves, making it
especially important in long distance radio communication.

Exosphere

1. It is the outermost layer of atmosphere.

2. It contains rarified Hydrogen and Helium gases.

Question 5

What is the significance of atmosphere for the Earth?

Answer

Following are the importance of atmosphere for the Earth:

1. It maintains the temperature of the Earth by trapping the heat, due to presence of Carbon dioxide.

2. It provides us important gases like Oxygen (needed for respiration), Nitrogen (cell formation) and Carbon dioxide
(keeps the earth warm).

3. It absorbs ultraviolet solar radiation due to presence of Ozone layer.

4. All the weather phenomena occurs in atmosphere.

5. It is responsible for cloud formation and precipitation which is necessary for water cycle.

6. The Earth is protected by falling meteors as they burn to ash due to friction in atmosphere.

Question 6

What are the properties of Troposphere?

Answer

Following are the properties of Troposphere:

1. It is lower most atmospheric layer with 14 km average thickness. Its thickness is about 8 km at poles and 18 km
at equator.

2. All weather phenomena like cloud formation, precipitation, fog etc. takes place in this layer.

3. In addition to pure air, it contains water vapour and dust.

4. There is decrease in temperature with increasing altitude at the rate of 6.4° C per km in troposphere.

5. Tropopause marks the upper boundary of troposphere.

Question 7
What is Tropopause?

Answer

It is the boundary in the Earth's atmosphere between the troposphere and the stratosphere. It lies, on an average, at 17
kilometres above equatorial regions, and about 9 kilometres over the poles.

Question 8

What is the significance of ozone in the atmosphere?

Answer

The significance of ozone layer is that it absorbs the harmful ultraviolet rays coming from the Sun. In the absence of the
ozone layer found in the atmosphere and in the event of ultraviolet rays reaching Earth's surface, our planet would have
been unfit for human habitation and other living beings.

Question 9

What are the causes of destruction of ozone layer?

Answer

The causes of destruction of ozone layer are:

1. Emission of Nitrogen Oxide by a large number of supersonic transport aeroplanes may cause deterioration of
ozone layer.

2. Release of synthetic chemicals primarily Chlorofluoro-carbons(CFCs) into the atmosphere is the most important
cause of destruction of ozone layer.

Question 10

Give the properties of Ionosphere.

Answer

Ionosphere

1. Ionosphere extends from 80 km to about 480 km.

2. The ionisation of molecules and atoms occurs mainly as a result of ultraviolet rays, X-rays and gama rays.

3. The temperature decreases with increase in elevation until a low point of -100℃ is reached. Beyond this level,
the temperature increases again as a result of absorption of short wave solar radiation by the atoms of oxygen.

4. Nitrogen in the extremely rarified air of ionosphere.

5. Ionosphere reflects low frequency radio waves, but absorbs medium and high frequency waves, making it
especially important in long distance radio communication.

Question 11

What is meant by Greenhouse Effect?

Answer

The process whereby radioactively active gases absorb and delay the loss of heat to space, thus keeping the lower
troposphere moderately warmed throughout the radiation and radiation of infrared wavelengths is called Greenhouse
Effect. It leads to gradual increase in the temperature of Earth. The gases responsible for Greenhouse effect are carbon
dioxide, methane and CFCs.
Question 12

What do you mean by 'Global Warming'? What are the consequences of 'Global Warming'?

Answer

The gradual increase in average temperature of the Earth and change in climate pattern is called Global warming. It
occurs due to greenhouse effect of gases like carbon dioxide, methane and CFCs.

The consequences of 'Global Warming' are:

1. Melting of ice caps and Glaciers.

2. Increasing sea temperature is wiping out coral reefs. These are breeding ground for many marine species and
they protect coastlines from storms.

3. It may pose serious threat to the ecological balance.

4. Higher wildlife extinction rates.

5. Higher sea levels.

6. Global warming is increasing the frequency and severity of many types of disasters, including storms, heat
waves, floods, and droughts.

Question 13

Name a few measures that could be taken to save the ozone layer.

Answer

A few measures that could be taken to save the ozone layer are:

1. Minimize the emission of gases that are harmful for Ozone layer such as nitrogen oxide.

2. Minimize the continuous release of synthetic chemicals primarily chlorofluoro-carbons (CFCs) into the
atmosphere.

3. Worldwide awareness against the use of Chloro-fluoro carbons.

4. Illegal trade of harmful chemicals must be controlled.

5. Finally, take strict decision to ban the use of harmful chemicals and invent alternatives to these chemicals.

Question 14

Name the three realms of the Earth.

Answer

Three realms of earth are:

1. Lithosphere

2. Hydrosphere

3. Atmosphere.

Question 15

State the composition of the Earth's atmosphere.

Answer

The atmosphere consists of a number of gases like Nitrogen (78%), Oxygen (21%), Carbon dioxide and other gases like
Argon, Helium etc. In addition to these gases, the atmosphere also contains water vapour and dust particles.
Question 16

How can we reduce global warming?

Answer

Following are the steps that can be taken to reduce global warming:

1. Conservation of forests and control indescriminate felling of trees

2. Reduce industrial and vehicular pollution.

3. Control the release of chlorofluoro carbons in atmosphere.

4. Reduce the release of green house gases like carbon dioxide and methane.

5. Create awareness regarding pollution and its effects.

Define the following terms

Question 1

Troposphere

Answer

The lowest and densest layer of Earth's atmosphere, with average height of 14 km, which is the site of all weather
phenomena is known as troposphere.

Question 2

Stratosphere

Answer

The layer of atmosphere extending from 18 to 80 km, which lies between troposphere and mesosphere is called
Stratosphere.

Question 3

Weather

Answer

The atmospheric conditions like temperature, precipitation, wind and humidity etc. prevailing at a particular place and
time is known as weather.

Question 4

Greenhouse Effect

Answer

The process whereby radioactively active gases absorb and delay the loss of heat to space, thus keeping the lower
troposphere moderately warmed throughout the radiation and radiation of infrared wavelengths is called Greenhouse
Effect.

Question 5

CFC

Answer

CFC stands for Chlorofluorocarbons. They are synthetic industrial chemical compounds containing Chlorine, Fluorine and
Carbon atoms. These are used as cleaning agents, in refrigerators, fire extinguishing fluids, spray, car propellants and
insulating foams. They cause deterioration of Ozone layer.
Question 6

Thermosphere

Answer

Atmospheric layer, about 400 km thick, lying above mesosphere which has upwardly increasing temperature is called
thermosphere.

Distinguish between the following

Question 1

Troposphere and Stratosphere

Answer
S.No. Troposphere Stratosphere

It is the lowest layer of atmosphere,

1. It lies above troposphere.
nearest to earth's surface.

No weather phenomena except

2. All weather phenomena occurs here.
Cirrus clouds.

3. Water vapour and dust are present. Water vapour and dust are absent.

4. Thickness is 9 to 18 km. Thickness is about 60 km.

5. Ozone layer is not present. Ozone layer is present.

Temperature lapse rate is 6.4°C per

6. Temperature remains almost same.
kilometer.

Stratosphere and Thermosphere

Answer

S. No. Stratosphere Thermosphere

1. It lies above troposphere. It lies above mesosphere.

2. It has ozone layer. Ozone layer is absent.

3. Thickness is 60 to 62 km. Thickness is about 400 km.

4. Temperature remains almost constant. Temperature increases with altitude.

Give reasons for the followings

Question 1

The layer of the atmosphere become thinner with altitude.

Answer

The gravity causes the upper layers of atmosphere to exert pressure on the lower ones due to their weight. This causes
the air to compress and hence the air become dense at the lower level while upper layers are thinner.
Question 2

The Earth does not experience extremes of temperature.

Answer

The earth does not experience extremes of temperature as on other planets due to the presence of the atmosphere.
The atmosphere absorbs some of the heat of the sun, and the remainder is reflected back. As a result, the planet doesn't
become too heated during the day or too cold during the night.

Question 3

Solid particles play an important role in the atmosphere.

Answer

Solid particles are important because they serve as nuclear centres around which the water vapour condenses to form
cloud particles.

Question 4

The presence of ozone layer is a boon to human being.

Answer

The ozone layer plays a crucial role in protecting the Earth and its inhabitants from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation
from the sun. Without the protective barrier provided by the ozone layer, the amount of UV radiation reaching the
Earth's surface would be much higher and our planet would have been unfit for human habitation and other living
beings. Thus, presence of ozone layer is a boon to human beings.

Question 5

Ionosphere is important in long distance radio-wave communication.

Answer

Ionosphere reflects low frequency radio waves but absorbs medium and high frequency waves. Thus, this layer is

Choose the correct option

Question 1

The proportion of Nitrogen in the atmosphere is about

78%

Question 2

Which of the following is the lower most layer of the atmosphere?

Troposphere

Question 3

In which of the following layers in atmosphere, Normal lapse rate of temperature is observed? Troposphere

Question 4

Which of the following layers of atmosphere absorbs the ultra violet rays of Sun? ANS ozonsphere

Question 5

............... layer of atmosphere is important for long distance radio communication.

Ionosphere
Question 6

Which of the following chemical is responsible for the depletion of ozone?

CFC

Question 7

Which one is the outermost layer of atmosphere?

Exosphere

Question 8

Which of the following is not a reason for global warming?

Rise in the sea level

Question 9

Different types of weather phenomena is seen in

Troposphere

Question 10

Which of the following is not a greenhouse gas?

Helium
Answer the following questions briefly
Insolation
Question 1

What is insolation? State its importance.

Answer

The incoming solar radiation is known as insolation.

The importance of insolation is as follows:

1. It provides energy in the form of heat and light.

2. It maintains the temperature of Earth.

3. It help plants make their food.

Question 2

State the three processes by which the air gets heated. Explain in brief.

Answer

The three processes by which air gets heated are:

1. Convection — Convection occurs when heat is transferred through a gas or liquid. It is transmission of heat from
one part of a liquid or gas to other part by upward movement of its particles.

2. Conduction — (b)Conduction is a process in which heat is transferred directly through matter from a point of
high temperature. Conduction transfers heat between adjacent molecules till the temperature is equal.

3. Radiation — It is the mode of transfer of heat which does not require any medium. It is a process by which a
body emits radiant energy. It leads to loss of heat and leads of cooling.

Question 3

State the various factors influencing the temperature of a place.

Answer

Various factors influencing the temperature of a place are:

1. Latitude — Places near equator are hotter than places near poles.

2. Altitude — Temperature decreases with increasing altitude at a rate of 1°C per 166 metre.

3. Distance from sea — Places near sea have equable climate i.e. low diurnal and annual range of temperature than
the places situated away from the sea.

4. Ocean currents — Ocean currents along the coast make the coastal areas warmer and cold currents make it
cooler than usual.

5. Clouds and rainfall — Absence of clouds results in high temperature while presence of clouds moderates the
temperature.

6. Slope of land — South facing slopes in Northern hemisphere are warmer.

7. Vegetation — Vegetation checks radiation from upper layer of soil. They have moderating effect on temperature.

8. Nature of soil — The more the water soil can retain, the less rapidly it heats or cools. Dark coloured soil absorbs
more heat and gives rise to differences in temperature.

Question 4
Why does only 51% of the insolation reach the Earth surface?

Answer

Only 51% of the insolation reaches the surface of the Earth as out of the remaining 49%, 35% of the insolation is directly
reflected back to space by the atmosphere and the rest of the 14% is absorbed by the ozone layer.

Question 5

What is the effect of latitude on temperature?

Answer

Places close to the Equator have higher temperature and are warmer than places away from the equator. This is
because, at the low latitude the Sun's rays are direct and have to travel a lesser extent through the atmosphere. Hence,
the heat of these rays is more intense. But at higher latitudes, the Sun's rays are slanting and have to pass through a
greater extent of atmosphere, due to which they lose their heat and are not intense.

Question 6

What causes the differential heating of land and water?

Answer

The land absorbs more solar radiation and reflects a little while water reflects more solar radiation and absorbs a little.
The differential heating of land and water is caused because of different rates at which the land and water are heated
up. Land gets heated faster than the water. Therefore, during day land gets hotter than water. This results in wind
blowing from sea to land during day. During night the land cools down faster and becomes cooler than the water bodies.
This results in wind blowing from land towards the sea.

Question 7

What is inversion of temperature? Under what conditions does it apply?

Answer

The temperature decreases at the rate of about 1°C per 166 m or 6°C per 1,000 metres of altitude. There are, however
some places where certain special conditions in the lower atmosphere produce a reversal of the normal lapse rate so
that temperature actually increases with an increase in altitude. This is known as temperature inversion.

It is generally experienced in hollows and valleys on calm clear nights when radiation has caused cooling and cold air has
sunk down. At the same time on the mountain slopes the air is warmer. Temperature inversion is normally found in the
middle latitude and for this reason fruit growers in these regions prefer gentle slopes to valley bottom for orchard sites.

Question 8

Which zone will have a higher range of temperature? Why?

Answer

The Torrid zone will have a higher range of temperature because it lies between temperate zone and equator. The
equatorial region is warm throughout the year but as we move northward or southward the range of temperature i.e.
difference between highest and lowest temperature, goes on increasing.

Question 9

Name the factors that affect the insolation over the Earth's surface.

Answer

Factors that affect the insolation over the Earth's surface are:

1. Latitude 2. Winds 3. Altitude 4. Clouds and rainfall 5. Vegetation

Question 10

Why are the slanting rays less effective than the vertical rays in heating the atmosphere?

Answer

The slanting rays are less effective than the vertical rays in heating the atmosphere because slanting rays travel a longer
distance through the atmosphere where much of its heat is absorbed by clouds, water vapour and dust particles while
vertical rays travel through a shorter distance in the atmosphere and the loss of heat is less.

Question 11

How do winds modify the temperature of a place?

Answer

Winds blowing from hotter area increase the temperature while winds blowing from cold areas decrease the
temperature. For example, a cold wind blowing from the interior of the continent during winter further reduces the
temperature of the places along their path, e.g., China. Generally, the winds blowing from the lower latitudes to higher
ones increase the temperature of the higher latitudes.

Question 12

What does Normal Lapse Rate mean?

Answer

With the increase of height, temperature decreases at the rate of 1°C for every 166 metres. This is known as Normal
Lapse Rate.

Question 13

Explain with the help of a diagram how the slope of the land affects the temperature.

Answer

The slope of the land affects the temperature in three ways:

1. Presence of mountains acting as a barrier — For example, Himalayas prevent the monsoon winds from leaving
India and also prevent the cold winds from China to enter India.

2. Inversion of temperature — Steep slopes experience more changes in temperature than a gentle slope because
of reversal of Normal Lapse Rate of temperature.

3. Direction of slope of the land — Slopes facing south in the northern hemisphere are warmer than those facing
north because the sun rays strike the south facing slopes at a steeper angle than they do at the north facing
slopes which are also called Sheltered slopes.
Question 14

Why does the temperature of a place in the atmosphere decrease with height?

Answer

The temperature of a place in the atmosphere generally decreases with altitude because the gases absorb very little of
the incoming solar radiation but the ground absorbs this radiation and then heats the tropospheric air by convection and
radiation. Therefore, atmosphere is hotter near the surface and get cooler as the height increases.

Question 15

What causes equable climate?

Answer

Equable climate refers to a climate with low range of annual and diurnal temperature. It is experienced in areas situated
close to sea. The sea has a moderating effect on the climate of coastal areas which causes the equable climate.

Question 16

State the reason for the differential heating of land and water?

Answer

The land absorbs more solar radiation and reflects a little while water reflects more solar radiation and absorbs a little.
The differential heating of land and water is caused because of different rates at which the land and water are heated
up. Land gets heated faster than the water. Therefore, during day land gets hotter than water. This results in wind
blowing from sea to land during day. During night the land cools down faster and becomes cooler than the water bodies.
This results in wind blowing from land towards the sea.

Explain the following terms

Question 1

Insolation

Answer

The solar radiation intercepted by the Earth is known as insolation.

Question 2

Conduction

Answer

Transfer of heat from an areas of more heat to areas of less heat by direct contact or directly through the matter is called
conduction.

Question 3

Normal Lapse Rate

Answer

The normal lapse rate refers to decrease in temperature at the rate of 1°C per 166 metres increase in altitude.

Question 4

Inversion of Temperature

Answer

Reversal of Normal Lapse Rate of temperature in special conditions where temperature actually increases with an
increase in altitude, is called temperature inversion.
Distinguish between the following

Question 1

Insolation and Terrestrial Radiation

Answer

S.
Insolation Terrestrial Radiation
No.

The amount of solar

energy received by the
1. The heat radiated by the Earth in the form of long waves is called terrestrial radiation.
Earth is called
insolation.

The Sun's energy

2. reaches the Earth as Terrestrial radiation is radiated in the form of long waves.
short waves.

Question 2

Convection and Radiation

Answer

S.
No Convection Radiation
.

Heat is transferred
1. No medium is required, can occur in space.
by moving particles.

Occurs only in gases Occurs in form of electromagnetic waves, microwaves and infrared
2.
and liquids. radiation.

3. It is a slow process. It is a fast process.

Give reasons for the following

Question 1

Land gets heated faster than the sea

Answer

Land surfaces absorb much more solar radiation than water. Therefore, it gets heated faster than the sea.

Question 2

The climate of continental interiors is of comparatively extreme type

Answer

The continental interiors are away from any water bodies so they cannot experience the moderating effect of the water
bodies. Therefore, the climate of continental interiors is of comparatively extreme type.
Question 3

Coastal climates are equable

Answer

The sea has a moderating effect on the climate of coastal areas due to sea and land breezes. Coastal areas generally have
more moderate temperatures than inland areas because of the heat capacity of the ocean. Therefore, coastal climates
are equable.

Question 4

South-facing slopes are much warmer than north facing slopes in the Northern Hemisphere.

Answer

Slopes facing south in the northern hemisphere are warmer than those facing north because the sun rays strike the
south facing slopes at a steeper angle than they do at the north facing slopes.

Question 5

The amount of insolation received on the earth surface is not uniform.

Answer

The amount of insolation received is maximum at the equator. It goes on reducing with higher latitudes and is minimum
at the poles. This is because in low latitudes the Sun's rays are direct and have to travel a lesser extent through the
atmosphere. Hence, the heat of these rays is more intense. But in higher latitudes, the Sun's rays are slanting and have
to pass through a greater extent of atmosphere. Hence, these rays lose heat on the way and minimum insolation occurs
at the poles.

Question 6

Hill stations are cooler even in the summer.

Answer

With the increase of height, temperature decreases. For every 166 metres the temperature falls by 1°C. This is known as
Normal Lapse Rate. This is the reason why hill stations are cooler even in the summer.

Diagrams

Question 1

Draw a neat diagram showing the Effect of Latitude on Solar Insolation.

Answer

Below diagram shows the Effect of Latitude on Solar Insolation:

Choose the correct option

Question 1

The process through which heat passes from warmer to colder substances as long as temperature difference exists, is
known as

Answer

Conduction

Question 2

Which of the following reasons is responsible for the minimum insolation at Poles?

1. The earth is spherical in shape

2. Poles are far away from the equator.

3. Poles get extremely slanting rays of the sun.

Question 3

Which of the following factor/factors are responsible for unequal temperature distribution on the earth?

1. Altitude

2. Latitude

3. Distance from the sea

Question 4

'Latitude is one of the important factors for controlling the temperature' — which of the following fact justifies this
statement?

1. The hill stations are cooler even in summer.

2. The areas in the high latitude are not very hot as compared to the equatorial regions.

3. Areas close to water bodies have low diurnal and annual range of temperature than the areas situated far away
from the coast.

4. All the above

Answer

The areas in the high latitude are not very hot as compared to the equatorial regions.

Question 5

'Forest areas are cooler than the open places'- which of the following reasons is responsible for it?

Answer

The vegetation cover checks the radiation from the upper layer of the soil.

Question 6

'Tropical Deserts have high diurnal range temperature'— which of the following factor/factors responsible for it?

1. Tropical deserts have cloudless sky.

2. There is less presence of vegetation.

3. Presence of sandy soil.

Question 7

Inversion of temperature mainly occurs during which season?

Answer

Winter

Question 8

The surface temperature of Sun is approximately

Answer

6000°c

Question 9

Mumbai enjoys equable climate but Nagpur experiences extreme climate. Which of the following factor is responsible
for this fact?

Answer

Mumbai is nearer to the coast than Nagpur.

Question 10

Solar radiation provides more than ............... of energy that heats the Earth.

Answer

99.9%
Answer the following questions
Humidity
Question 1

What is evaporation? Name the factors that affect evaporation.

Answer

The process of conversion of water into its gaseous state is called evaporation. It may also be termed as vaporization.

The factors affecting evaporation are:

1. Air Pressure — The rate of evaporation is higher when pressure is low.

2. Availability of water — The rate of evaporation is higher where large water bodies are present.

3. Temperature — Evaporation is directly proportional to temperature. The warmer the evaporating surface, the
higher the rate of evaporation.

4. Relative humidity — The rate of evaporation in dry air is more than in moist air.

5. Area of evaporating surface — Larger area of evaporating surface offers more evaporation.

Question 2

What is condensation? When does condensation occur?

Answer

A process of change of matter in the gaseous state (water vapour) to the liquid state (water) or solid water state (ice) is
known as condensation.

Condensation occurs when:

1. Air is cooled below its dew point.

2. The dew point temperature falls below the freezing point.

Question 3

How does air gets cooled?

Answer

As the warm air rises up, the air pressure drops and the gases expand. The temperature is lower at higher altitudes
which results in cooling of the air as well.

Question 4

Name the different forms of condensation.

Answer

The different forms of condensation are:

1. Clouds Dew Frost Fog Mist

Question 5

What is precipitation?

Answer

Precipitation is defined as water in liquid or solid forms falling to the Earth. It can be termed as deposition of
atmospheric moisture and is the most important phase of the hydrological cycle. Precipitation cam be in the form of hail,
snow, sleet,rain etc.
Question 6

State the conditions necessary for precipitation.

Answer

Following are the conditions necessary for precipitation:

1. The air must be saturated.

2. The temperature at which condensation takes place must be present.

3. The air must contain small particles of matter such as dust around which droplets form.

4. The air must be cooled below its dew point.

Question 7

What are the different forms of precipitation?

Answer

The different forms of precipitation are:

1. Rain Snow Hail Sleet Drizzle Fog Frost

Question 8

How is the convectional rainfall caused?

Answer

The two factors necessary to cause convectional rainfall are intense heating of the surface and abundant supply of
moisture. Due to intense heating of the surface, the surface air gets heated and expands and rises up conventionally
holding moisture. It is thereby cooled adiabatically and its temperature falls below the dew point, forming
Cumulonimbus cloud, which gives heavy rains. Such rainfall is called convectional rainfall.

Question 9

Give two characteristic features of the convectional rainfall. Name an area which commonly experiences this type of
rainfall.

Answer

Two characteristic features of the convectional rainfall are:

1. This type of rain mostly occurs at 4 o'clock in the afternoon.

2. It is always torrential accompanied by lightening and thunder.

The area which commonly experiences this type of rainfall is equatorial zone as it experiences direct sun rays throughout
the year.

Question 10

What are the chief requirements for orographic rainfall to be experienced? Name a region which experiences it.

Answer

The chief requirements to experience orographic rainfall are:

1. moisture laden winds.

2. mountain in the path of the winds.

It is experienced in the western Ghats. Monsoon winds bring rainfall to the windward side of the ghats while the leeward
side remains dry.
Question 11

What is the meaning of rain shadow? Give an example.

Answer

The area on the leeward slope of a mountain range, in the shadow of the mountain where precipitation is greatly
reduced compared to windward slope is called rain shadow.

The leeward side of the Western Ghats is an example of rain shadow region.

Question 12

What is cyclonic rainfall? Name a region which experiences this type of rainfall.

Answer

Cyclonic rainfall occurs when a mass of warm air (warm front) meets the mass of cold air (cold Front). The warm air is
forced up above the cooler air as it is lighter. Condensation takes place and clouds are formed, followed by rains.

Northwest India experiences this type of rainfall in winters.

Question 13

State the principal factors affecting the distribution of rainfall. Which are the wettest regions of the world?

Answer

The principal factors affecting the distribution of rainfall are:

1. Latitude — The latitudinal belt of maximum precipitation is found in the equatorial Zone between 8° N to 8° S
along with the seasonal shifting of the Doldrums. The shifting of the Trade Winds causes winter rains in
Mediterranean Regions in Europe. Trade Winds blow from North-East to South-West, they shed maximum
moisture on the Eastern margins of the continents and western margins are left dry.

2. Continents and oceans — Places which are located away from the sea in the interior receive relatively less
precipitation than coastal areas.

3. Mountain Barriers — They play a great role in the world distribution of precipitation by causing orographic
rainfall on the windward side while the leeward side remains dry or receives little rainfall.

The latitudinal belt between 8° N to 8° S is the wettest region of the world.

Question 14

Give two examples of the areas that receive less than 25 cm of rainfall.

Answer

Two examples of the areas that receive less than 25 cm of rainfall are:

1. Desert area of Rajasthan

2. Desert of China(Gobi desert).

Question 15

Explain the process of precipitation in brief.

Answer

The formation of clouds by condensation takes place due to adiabatic cooling. For precipitation air must be saturated
and temperature below dew point must be reached. The air must contain small particles of matter such as dust around
which droplets form. When the cold droplets, ice pellets or ice crystals grow to such a large size as to overcome the
normal buoyancy, precipitation occurs.
Question 16

Name the three types of rainfall.

Answer

The three types of rainfall are:

1. Convectional rainfall Orographic rainfall Cyclonic Rainfall

Question 17

Mention two characteristics of orographic rainfall.

Answer

Two characteristics of orographic rainfall are:

1. When the moisture laden wind rises along the windward slope of the mountain the pressure on it decreases, the
air expands and cools.

2. On the leeward side, as the dry air descends the mountain slopes, the pressure decreases.

Question 18

Name the factors necessary for convectional rainfall.

Answer

The factors necessary for convectional rainfall are:

1. Intense heating of the surface.

2. Abundant supply of moisture

Question 19

Where does cyclonic rainfall occur?

Answer

Cyclonic rainfall is common throughout the Doldrums where the Trade winds meet.

Explain the following terms

Question 1

Absolute Humidity

Answer

Absolute humidity is the actual amount of water vapour present in a given volume of air, regardless of temperature. It is
expressed as grams of moisture per cubic metre of air (g/m3). The amount of absolute humidity decreases as we go
towards the poles. The maximum absolute humidity of warm air at 30°C is approximately 30 gm of water vapour — 30
g/m3.

Question 2

Relative Humidity

Answer

Relative Humidity refers to the water vapour present in the air as compared to the maximum amount of water the air
can hold at that temperature. It can be defined as "a ratio between the actual amount of water vapour present in the air
and the maximum amount of water the air can hold at that temperature." It is always expressed in percentage.
Question 3

Dew Point

Answer

The temperature at which the air becomes fully saturated with water vapour is known as dew point. It is used to predict
dew, frost, fog etc. It can also indicate air's actual water vapour content.

Question 4

Clouds

Answer

Clouds are defined as a visible aggregation of minute water droplets/ice particles in the air above ground level. Clouds
can be classified into Low, medium and High, on the basis of their height.

Question 5

Hail

Answer

Hailstones are small round balls of ice with frosted appearance. They are formed of concentric layers of ice much like an
onion. Hail stones range from 0.5 to 5 cm in diameter. They occur only from the Cumulonimbus cloud type.

Question 6

Fog

Answer

Condensation of water vapour near the surface of earth leads to formation of fog. Fog is formed when warm and moist
air moves along the surface of colder region. It affects visibility. Fog makes it difficult to see the objects beyond 1 km.

Question 7

Snow

Answer

Snow consists of crystals or grains of ice which grow directly from the water vapour. Snow displays beautiful forms of
symmetrical patterns that are formed in winter when the temperature is below freezing point.

Question 8

Precipitation

Answer

Precipitation is defined as water in liquid or solid forms falling to the Earth. Hail, snow, sleet, rain and drizzle are the
common forms of precipitation.
Distinguish between the following pairs

Question 1

Evaporation and Condensation

Answer

S.
Evaporation Condensation
no.

The process by which the water changes into water vapour The process by which the water vapour changes into
1.
is called evaporation. called condensation.

2. It can occur at any temperature. It needs relatively lower temperature.

3. It is an endothermic process. It is an exothermic process.

Question 2

Convectional Rainfall and Orographic Rainfall

Answer

S.
Convectional Rainfall Orographic Rainfall
no.

When hot air with moisture rises up and is cooled When moisture laden wind is unable to cross a mountain, it
1.
adiabatically, it leads to convectional rainfall. along it and brings orographic rainfall to the windward side.

The rainfall is often accompanied by thunder and

2. Thunder and lightening are not common.
lightening.

3. Common in equatorial zone. Common in mountain regions.

Question 3

Dew and Frost

Answer

S.
Dew Frost
no.

Condensation of water vapour due to coming in contact with cold objects and Freezing of water droplets on
1.
deposition in form water droplet. cold surfaces.

2. Dew is in liquid form. Frost is in solid form.

3. It occurs at low temperature. It occurs at temperature belo

It is very harmful to crops and

4. It does not harm crops and plants.
life.
Give reasons for the following

Question 1

Convectional currents generally lead to rain.

Answer

Convectional currents generally lead to rain as due to intense heating of the surface, the surface air gets heated and
expands and rises up conventionally holding moisture. It is thereby cooled adiabatically and its temperature falls below
the dew point, forming Cumulonimbus clouds, which give heavy rains.

Question 2

The rain-shadow areas are generally dry.

Answer

The sudden ascent of warm moist air on the windward sides causes cooling of air, leading to condensation and
precipitation.
On the contrary, on descending the leeward slope, a decrease in altitude increases both the pressure and the
temperature, leading the air to get compressed and warm. Consequently, the relative humidity drops and there is
evaporation and little or no precipitation in the rain shadow area. Hence, a rain shadow area is generally dry.

Question 3

Cyclonic rainfall is common in the belt of westerlies.

Answer

Cyclonic rainfall occurs when cold and warm fronts meet. The westerlies blow from the the warmer Horse latitudes
towards the poles in north and south hemisphere. This results in the convergence of warm westerlies and cold polar
winds, which further results in Cyclonic rainfall. Therefore, Cyclonic rainfall is common in the belt of westerlies.

Question 4

Areas of trade winds are usually dry.

Answer

Areas of trade winds are usually dry because trade winds blow from dry mainland. They lack moisture and hence cannot
cause rainfall.

Question 5

Cyclonic rainfall is also known as frontal rainfall.

Answer

Cyclonic rainfall is also known as frontal rainfall because it occurs when warm front (a mass of warm air) meets the cold
front (a mass of cold air).

Question 6

Convectional rainfall is also called 4 o'clock shower.

Answer

Convectional rainfall is called 4 o'clock rainfall as this type of rainfall occurs in the afternoon at about 4 o'clock. This is
because the heat from the sun builds up throughout the day, causing the air to rise and form clouds that eventually bring
rain in late afternoon around 4 o'clock.

Diagrams

Question 1
Draw self-explanatory diagrams to show all the three types of rainfall.

Answer

Below diagram shows Convectional rainfall:

Below diagram shows Orographic rainfall:

Below diagram shows Cyclonic rainfall:

Choose the correct option

Question 1

Which of the following statements related to Relative humidity is not correct?

Answer

Relative humidity is measured in degrees.

Question 2

The process through which the water changes from its liquid state into water vapour is called….. Evaporation
Question 3

Which of the following factor controls the condensation?

1. The air temperature must fall below the dew point temperature

2. The relative humidity must be high

3. High rate of cooling

Question 4

Identify the type of rainfall seen here.

Orographic

Question 5

Which of the following regions receive convectional type of rainfall?

Answer

Equatorial zone

Question 6

Which of the following regions receive cyclonic type of rainfall?

1. Temperate zone

2. Mid-latitudinal region

3. Tropical zone

Question 7

The principal factors controlling the distribution of precipitation are

1. Latitude

2. Continents & ocean

3. Mountain Barriers

Question 8

Which of the following is not a form of condensation?

Answer

Rain

Question 9

The temperature at which air gets saturated is called Answer Dew point
Question 10

Which of the following is the component of hydrological cycle?

1. Evaporation

2. Condensation

3. Precipitation

Question 11

Fog, dew, mist are mainly formed in

Answer

Winter season

Question 12

Which of the following is a low cloud?

Answer

Stratus