NCERT Solutions for Class 7 social science Chapter 3: Climates of India Class 7

What makes India’s climate so diverse?
Answer:
India’s climate is diverse because of its vast size, different landforms, and location near the Tropic of Cancer. It has many climate types, including tropical, desert, and mountainous. The Himalayas block cold winds, while the monsoons bring seasonal rainfall, making the climate diverse.

What are the monsoons? How are they formed? (Page 45)
Answer:
Monsoons are seasonal winds that bring heavy rainfall to India. They are formed due to the heating of land and water. In summer, the land heats up quickly, drawing in moist winds from the Indian Ocean, causing rainfall. In winter, the land cools, and dry winds blow from land to sea, bringing little rain.

What is the effect of climate on economy, culture and society? (Page 45)
Answer:
Effect of climate on economy, culture, and society are as follows:
(i) Economy: Climate affects farming, fishing, tourism, and other jobs. For example, in warm and sunny places, people can grow crops like rice and cotton. But in very cold or dry areas, farming is harder, and people may do other jobs like herding animals or working in factories.

How can understanding the climate help us to prepare for natural disasters? (Page 45)
Answer:
Understanding the climate helps us prepare for natural disasters like floods, droughts, and cyclones. It allows people to plan farming, build strong houses, and set up early warning systems. Knowing weather patterns helps in reducing damage and saving lives.

What is climate change? What are its consequences? (Page 45)
Answer:
Climate change means a big change in the Earth’s normal weather over a long time. It is mostly caused by pollution from cars, factories, cutting down trees, and burning fuels like coal and oil. This adds more gases (like carbon dioxide) to the air, which makes the Earth warmer. Consequences of Climate Change:

Which are your favourite seasons? Write a short essay explaining your reasons.
Answer:
Do it yourself.

Discuss in groups of three or four and find out whether there are specific events connected to the seasons in your region. Collect information about them songs, feasts with specific types of food, practices in different seasons, etc. Document these and share your discoveries with your class. (Page 47)
Answer:
Do it yourself.

Do you know which trees in your area change colours before the onset of winter? Are there trees that shed their leaves around this time? Why do you think this happens? Find out and document the local names of these trees.(Page 47)
Answer:
Some trees change the colour of their leaves before winter, while others shed their leaves completely. In many regions of India, trees like Peepal, Neem, and Gulmohar shed their leaves in winter. This happens because trees prepare for the cold and dry season by reducing water loss. Shedding leaves helps them survive harsh weather by conserving energy and moisture.

Udhagamandalam (Ooty) and Coimbatore are almost at the same latitude. The range of summer temperatures in Ooty is 10-25°C while that in Coimbatore is 25-38°C. Why do you think there is such a difference in temperature between these two places? (Page 51)
Answer:
Even though Ooty and Coimbatore are at almost the same latitude, their temperatures differ due to altitude.

Since the ability to predict the monsoon rainfall has been an important aspect of life in India, our ancestors observed Nature around them carefully. They developed local traditional knowledge through their experience. This traditional knowledge is an important heritage we must preserve. For example, fishermen on the Konkan coast predict the onset of the monsoon when fishes that normally stay under water are seen at the surface; in parts of southern India monsoon is said to arrive within 50 days after the Golden Shower tree (Cassia fistula) blossoms. Some communities also believe that when crows build their nests high on tree-tops, it indicates less rainfall, whereas if the nests are lower, rainfall is likely to be heavy. Make a list of such local knowledge about rain, fog, snow or hail in your area. (Page 56)
Answer:
Here are some examples (you can add local ones too):

Reach out to your grandparents or elders in your neighbourhood. Ask them about the traditional festivals and dances they remember from their childhood and youth, especially those related to agriculture and rain. What rituals did they participate in? Then organize a cultural fest with your friends. You can showcase some of the dances, songs, and activities your elders shared with you. Whether it is a dance, harvest ritual, or a simple story about prayer to rain gods, try to bring these traditions to life for your classmates. (Page 56)
Answer:
Do it yourself.

Have you seen or read about floods? Look at the physical map of India. Discuss in pairs why you think floods occur in the areas like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Assam. (Page 60)
Answer:
Do it yourself.

Observe the below figure and answer the questions that follow: (Page 62)

(i) Identify the type of disaster and describe the effects they may have on people, plants, animals and economic life. (Page 62)
Answer:
The effects of the disasters on people, plants, animals and economic life are as follows: Cyclones can have devastating effects on people, plants, animals, and the economy. For people, cyclones cause injuries, fatalities, and displacement from their homes. The strong winds and heavy rainfall can destroy crops and trees, severely affecting plant life. Animals lose their habitats, and many may perish due to the storm’s intensity. Economically, cyclones cause widespread damage to agriculture, coastal infrastructure, and industries, leading to significant losses and long-term recovery efforts.

What are clouds? and what are they made of? (Page 59)
Answer:
Clouds look like white or grey lumps in the sky, but do you know what they are made of? They are made of water! But not the water we drink clouds are made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals that float high up in the sky. These droplets are so small and light that they stay in the air and form clouds.

Match the climatic factors with their effects:

Latitude