Page 338 - New Medley 5 Semester 1

Height above the sea level

The temperature of the air decreases with the

increase in height above the sea level. Thus,
the peaks of the high mountains, such as the

Himalayas, remain covered with snow and
ice throughout the year. Therefore, places

at high altitude experience a cool climate.
Mountain
Distance from the sea

Water takes more time for heating as well as for cooling. This affects the
climate of those places which are near the sea coast. Compare the climate

of Delhi and Mumbai in the summer season. Delhi is far away from the
equator and still has a very hot climate. Mumbai is closer to the equator

than Delhi and located along the west coast of India. It experiences a
cool climate. The climate of Mumbai is mild as compared to Delhi.

Prevailing winds

The winds can be hot, warm, cool, cold or wet depending upon the

weather of the place from where they are coming. The hot winds increase
the temperature, while the cold winds decrease the temperature.

Winds coming from the sea bring cool and wet weather. Thus, the climate
of any region is influenced by the winds in that area.

Moisture in the air

The moisture in the air is called humidity. The winds coming from the

sea cause more rainfall than those coming from land. The rain brings a
cool climate even during the summer season. The areas with less rainfall

are hotter and drier. At such places, deserts can be formed.

• Critical thinking

Answer the following questions orally.

1. Name an element of weather.
2. Name a factor that affects the climate of a region.
3. What is the relation of temperature with the height of a place?
4. What is humidity?

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