Topic 6.4 · Geography · Climate of India

Droughts, Floods & Cyclones

Droughts, Floods & Cyclones is studied as part of "Climate of India" (Indian Geography) in Geography. India's climate is dominated by the monsoon — its onset, retreat and variability — which controls agriculture, water resources and the economy.

In the examination context, droughts, floods & cyclones carries conceptual questions that test both factual recall and analytical understanding. Revise this topic in sequence with the rest of the chapter so that chronological and thematic links are clear.

Important Facts

Burst of monsoon: Sudden onset with heavy rain
South-west monsoon: Arrives over Kerala around 1 June
El Nino: Warming of the equatorial Pacific — often weakens the monsoon
La Nina: Cooling of the Pacific — often strengthens the monsoon

Key Points

South-west monsoon — Arrives over Kerala around 1 June
El Nino — Warming of the equatorial Pacific — often weakens the monsoon
La Nina — Cooling of the Pacific — often strengthens the monsoon
Burst of monsoon — Sudden onset with heavy rain

Important Names

G.T. WalkerBlanford

Important Dates

20th century	Monsoon forecasting developed
1875	India Meteorological Department established

Exam-Oriented Notes

»The monsoon is caused by differential heating of land and sea. Remember the seasonal sequence: SW monsoon (Jun–Sep), retreating (Oct–Nov), winter, summer.