Climate Class 9 Notes

Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large
area for a long period of time (more than thirty years).

Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere over an area at any point in time.
The elements of weather and climate are the same, i.e. temperature, atmospheric
pressure, wind, humidity and precipitation. On the basis of the monthly
atmospheric conditions, the year is divided into seasons such as:
 Winter
 Summer
 Rainy Seasons
Climatic Controls
The climate of any place depends on the following factors:
 1) Latitude
The amount of solar energy received varies according to latitude due to
the curvature of the earth. That’s why air temperature generally decreases
from the equator towards the poles.
 2) Altitude
The atmosphere becomes less dense, and temperature decreases when we
go to a higher altitude from the Earth’s surface. This is the reason why
hills are cooler during summer.
 3) Pressure and wind system

The pressure and wind system of any area depend on the latitude and
altitude of the place. It influences the temperature and rainfall pattern.
 4) Distance from the sea

The sea exerts a moderating influence on the climate. As the distance
from the sea increases, its moderating influence decreases and people
experience extreme weather conditions. This condition is known
as continentality, i.e. very hot during summers and very cold during
winters.
 5) Ocean currents
Ocean currents, along with onshore winds, affect the climate of the coastal
areas. For example, any coastal area with warm or cold currents flowing past
it will be warmed or cooled if the winds are onshore.
 6) Relief features
Relief plays a major role in determining the climate of a place. High
mountains act as barriers to cold or hot winds. They may also cause
precipitation if they are high enough and lie in the path of rain-bearing
winds. Precipitation is any form of moisture which falls to the earth. It
includes rain, snow, hail and sleet.
Factors Affecting India’s Climate

Latitude
The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country from the
Rann of Kachchh in the west to Mizoram in the east. India’s climate has
characteristics of tropical as well as subtropical climates.
Altitude
India has mountains to the north and also has a vast coastal area where
the maximum elevation is about 30 metres. Owing to the mountains, the
subcontinent experiences comparatively milder winters as compared to
central Asia.
Pressure and winds
The climate and weather conditions in India are governed by the
following atmospheric conditions:
 Pressure and surface winds
 Upper air circulation
 Western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones
Air moves from the high-pressure area over the southern Indian Ocean in
a south-easterly direction, crosses the equator and turns right towards the
low-pressure areas over the Indian subcontinent. These are known as
the Southwest Monsoon winds. These winds blow over the warm
oceans, gather moisture and bring widespread rainfall over the territories
of India.
Jet streams are fast-flowing, narrow, meandering air currents in the
atmosphere.
The Indian Monsoon
The Indian Monsoon is a crucial weather phenomenon that significantly
influences India’s climate:
1. Seasonal Reversal of Winds: Monsoon refers to the seasonal reversal of

wind direction. During summer, landmasses in India heat up more than
surrounding oceans, creating low-pressure areas over land and high-
pressure areas over the seas.
2. Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ): The shift of the ITCZ over
the Ganga plain during summer, known as the monsoon trough, brings
heavy rainfall to the region.
3. High-Pressure Systems: A high-pressure area east of Madagascar and
over the Indian Ocean affects the monsoon by influencing wind patterns.
4. Tibetan Plateau: Intense heating of the Tibetan Plateau creates low-
pressure systems at high altitudes, contributing to the monsoon’s strength.
5. Jet Streams: The movement of the westerly jet stream north of the
Himalayas and the tropical easterly jet stream over the Indian peninsula
during summer also play significant roles in the monsoon’s behavior.
6. Southern Oscillation (SO): Variations in pressure conditions over the
southern oceans, coupled with irregular wind and sea surface temperature
changes in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean (known as Southern
Oscillation), affect monsoon patterns in the tropics and subtropics.
The Seasons of India

India experiences four distinct seasons throughout the year, each characterized
by unique weather patterns and agricultural significance:
1. The Cold Weather Season (Winter):
 Duration: Mid-November to February.

 Features: December and January are the coldest months, with
temperatures decreasing from south to north. Days are warm with cold
nights, clear skies, low humidity, and variable winds.
 Significance: Critical for cultivating ‘rabi’ crops.
2. The Hot Weather Season (Summer):
 Duration: March to May.

 Features: Rising temperatures and falling air pressure, especially in
northern India. ‘Loo’, strong hot dry winds, are common. Pre-monsoon
showers aid in mango ripening.
 Significance: Preparation for the monsoon; early mango crop ripening
due to pre-monsoon showers.
3. Advancing Monsoon (Rainy Season):
 Duration: June to September.

 Mechanism: Southwest monsoon winds originating from the southeast
cross the equator and enter India, covering the country over a month.
 Features: Mawsynram receives the highest average rainfall globally.
Monsoon characterized by breaks and tropical depressions affecting
rainfall intensity.
 Significance: Vital for agriculture; planting and growth of ‘kharif’ crops
depend on monsoon rains.
4. Retreating Monsoon (Transition Season):
 Duration: October to November.

 Features: Clear skies and rising temperatures mark the retreat of
monsoon. Days are hot, nights are cool and pleasant initially but become
oppressive due to high humidity (‘October heat’).
 Significance: Transition from rainy season to dry winter conditions;
critical for harvesting ‘kharif’ crops and preparing for winter crops.
These seasons play a crucial role in shaping India’s agriculture, economy, and
daily life, each bringing its own set of challenges and opportunities.
Distribution of Rainfall in India

India exhibits a diverse pattern of rainfall distribution across its vast geography,
influencing its agricultural and ecological diversity:
1. High-Rainfall Regions:
 Western Coast and Northeastern India: Receive over 400 cm of

rainfall annually.
 Features: Lush vegetation and tropical climate supported by heavy
monsoon rains.
2. Low-Rainfall Regions:
 Western Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab: Receive less than 60

cm of rainfall annually.
 Features: Arid and semi-arid landscapes, characterized by desert and dry
scrub vegetation.
3. Moderate-Rainfall Regions:
 Interior Deccan Plateau and East of Sahyadris: Experience moderate

rainfall.
 Features: Mixed vegetation, including deciduous forests and grasslands.
4. Snowfall Region:
 Himalayan Region: Receives snowfall, contributing to the perennial

rivers originating from the glaciers.
 Features: Alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems, crucial for riverine systems.
5. Variability:
 Annual Variability: Rainfall patterns vary significantly from year to

year, impacting agriculture and water resources.
Monsoon as a Unifying Bond

The monsoon plays a pivotal role in unifying the diverse regions of India
through its seasonal rhythms:
 Seasonal Alteration: Monsoon winds bring a rhythmic cycle of seasons,

affecting weather patterns across the subcontinent.
 Uncertainties and Unity: Despite uncertainties in rainfall distribution,
the anticipation and arrival of monsoon rains are eagerly awaited
nationwide.
 Agricultural Lifeline: Monsoons provide vital water for agriculture,
setting in motion planting and growth cycles crucial for the country’s
food security.

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Climate Class 9 Notes

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Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large

area for a long period of time (more than thirty years).

 3) Pressure and wind system

 4) Distance from the sea

Factors Affecting India’s Climate

1. Seasonal Reversal of Winds: Monsoon refers to the seasonal reversal of

The Seasons of India

1. The Cold Weather Season (Winter):

 Duration: Mid-November to February.

 Duration: March to May.

3. Advancing Monsoon (Rainy Season):

 Duration: June to September.

4. Retreating Monsoon (Transition Season):

 Duration: October to November.

Distribution of Rainfall in India

 Western Coast and Northeastern India: Receive over 400 cm of

 Western Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab: Receive less than 60

 Interior Deccan Plateau and East of Sahyadris: Experience moderate

 Himalayan Region: Receives snowfall, contributing to the perennial

 Annual Variability: Rainfall patterns vary significantly from year to

Monsoon as a Unifying Bond

 Seasonal Alteration: Monsoon winds bring a rhythmic cycle of seasons,

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