India : Climate, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife (Excursions)
Workout
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
1. The coastal regions experience ............. climate.
a. cold. [ ]
b. hot. [ ]
c. dry. [ ]
d. equable. [✓]
2. ............... is the coldest month of the year in India.
a. March. [ ]
b. January. [✓]
c. February. [ ]
d. April. [ ]
3. .............. is the local wind experienced in Assam and Bengal.
a. Kalbaisakhi. [✓]
b. Loo. [ ]
c. Mango showers. [ ]
d. Monsoon wind. [ ]
4. Monsoon in India does not occur in the month of ................
a. October. [ ]
b. November. [ ]
c. September. [ ]
d. March. [✓]
5. The southwest monsoon has .............. branches.
a. two. [✓]
b. three. [ ]
c. six. [ ]
d. five. [ ]
B. Complete this table.
=
|
Forest |
Climate |
Distribution |
Important trees |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tropical monsoon forest |
An annual rainfall of 100 to 200 cm with a long dry season. |
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, |
Sandalwood, Sal, Teak, Mahua, |
|
Tropical evergreen forest |
Heavy rainfall between 200 to 300 cm |
Odisha, Kerala, West Bengal, |
Mahogany, rosewood, |
|
Mountain |
High altitude, 3500 m above the sea level, |
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, |
Sal, Oak, Pine, Fir, |
|
Tidal forest |
Need heavy rainfall of above 200 cm |
Sundarbans |
Hogla, hetal, Golpata, |
|
Thorn and desert forest |
High temperature and low rainfall |
Rajasthan |
Acacia, Kikar, Date Palm |
C. Answer these questions in brief.
1. What are jet streams?
= Air currents in the upper layers of the atmosphere are referred to as jet streams. These are winds with very high speed. These streams determine the arrival and departure of the monsoon winds.
2. Write a short note on the branches of the southwest monsoon.
= Due to triangular shape of India, the southwest monsoon winds are divided into two branches - the Arabian Sea Branch and the Bay of Bengal Branch.
The Arabian Sea branch causes heavy rainfall in the windward side of the Western Ghats such as, Mumbai and Panaji.
A part of the Bay of Bengal branch enters the north-eastern part of India including the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia regions and causes heavy rainfall in the windward side of the hills. The Bay of Bengal Branch causes heavy rainfall in windward side of the north-eastern hills of India.
3. What are western disturbances?
= The low pressure systems that originate over the eastern Mediterranean region in winter visits India in the winter season. These disturbances are responsible for the winter rain in the northern and north western part of India.
4. What kind of climate does India have?
= India experiences regional variations in its climate. The coastal areas experience an equable climate, with minor difference in summer and winter temperature. The interiors of the country experience a continental type of climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Despite all these variations, India is said to have a tropical monsoon climate.
D. Answer these questions in detail.
1. Explain the factors that affect the climate of a place.
= The factors that effect the climate of a place are -
❐ Latitude : The places near the Equator experience tropical climate. Places far from the Equator experience sub-tropical climate.
❐ Mountains : The mountain ranges play a pivotal role in modifying the climate of a place. Firstly, it prevents the cold wind to enter into the place. Secondly, it does not allow the rain-bearing monsoon winds to leave the country, ensuring abundant rainfall.
❐ Altitude : We know temperature decreases with increase of altitude. The places of higher altitude experience low range of temperature. The places of lower altitude experiences higher range of temperature.
❐ Distance from the sea : Places near the coast enjoy equable climate, whereas places located in the interior have an extreme climate.
❐ Precipitation : Precipitation also plays an important role in determining climate. The relief influences the amount of precipitation received by a place. The direction of rain-bearing winds determine the amount of rainfall received by a place.
2. Explain the approach and the retreating of the monsoon winds in India.
= Approach of monsoon winds :
The approach of southwest monsoon winds is sudden, accompanied by thunder and lighting. Kanyakumari is the first place and Kerala is the first state to receive the rain. Due to triangular shape of India, the southwest monsoon winds are divided into two branches - the Arabian Sea Branch and the Bay of Bengal Branch.
The Arabian Sea branch causes heavy rainfall in the windward side of the Western Ghats such as, Mumbai and Panaji.
A part of the Bay of Bengal branch enters the north-eastern part of India including the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia regions and causes heavy rainfall in the windward side of the hills. The Bay of Bengal Branch causes heavy rainfall in windward side of the north-eastern hills of India.
Retreating southwest monsoon :
The retreating southwest monsoon indicates the gradual withdrawal of the monsoon from the Indian mainland. This season is also referred to as the season of transition from a hot, rainy season to a cold, dry winter season. The southwest monsoon withdraws in stages and is referred to as the retreating southwest monsoon.
We experience this season during the months of October and November.
The temperature of the northern plain dips due to heavy rainfall. The Sun's rays no longer fall directly on the Tropic of Cancer. During September, the sun shines directly on the Equator and India begins to get cooler.
During this season, the low pressure of the Indian mainland is slowly replaced by high pressure.
This season is marked by cyclones in the Bay of Bengal. While withdrawing, the retreating monsoon collects moisture from the Bay of Bengal and causes rainfall in the east coast of India, mainly in Tamil Nadu.
3. What are the main features of the tropical evergreen and deciduous forests?
= Tropical Evergreen Forests :
Tropical evergreen forests are also called tropical rainforests. The main characteristics of these forests are the evergreen trees that do not shed their leaves throughout the year. These forests are found in regions of heavy rainfall, which receive rainfall between 200 to 300 cm annually. High temperature and humidity is also favourable for the growth of tropical evergreen vegetation. The Andaman and Nicobar Island, North-eastern hills, windward side of the Western Ghats, parts of Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal have tropical rainforests. The most remarkable feature of tropical rainforests is the presence of tall trees with a thick undergrowth. They are thick forests with climbers, creepers and ferns. The trees in these forests are hardwood trees such as mahogany, rosewood, ebony, shisham, red cedar, teak gurjan and bamboo.
Tropical Deciduous Forests :
Tropical deciduous forests are also called monsoon forests. These forests require an annual rainfall of 100 to 200 cm with a long dry season. The tropical deciduous forests can be tropical moist deciduous forests, which are found in the northern parts of the Eastern Ghats, east-central India and western Karnataka or dry deciduous forests, which are found in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, eastern Rajasthan, central Andhra Pradesh and western Tamil Nadu. The trees found in these forests shed leaves only for six to eight weeks during summer, at different times. Therefore, the forests never look barren.
The tropical deciduous forests are economically the most important forest cover in India. Sandalwood, sal, teak, mahua, khair, jackfruit, semal, myrobalan and banyan are some of the trees that grow here. Sal and teak are mainly used to make furniture. Sandalwood is used for making decorative items and fragrant oil.
4. Write a short note on the wildlife of India.
= A large number of diverse types of animals are found in India. They are usually referred to as fauna. Royal Bengal tigers are found in the tidal forest of Sundarbans and monsoon forest of Madhya Pradesh. Elephants are found in the tropical evergreen forests of Kerala and Assam. One-horned rhinoceros are found in Marshy forest areas of Assam and north West Bengal. Asiatic Lion are found in the dry deciduous forests of Gir. Indian Bison are found in tropical deciduous forests of Peninsular India.
5. Why is it important to conserve forests?
= Forests are extremely valuable to us. They play a major role as they have both environmental as well as economic value. The government of India has developed a law to protect and preserve the natural habitat of the wild animals. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries and bioreserves are developed to protect our natural vegetation and wildlife.