Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the climate in Ladakh? 1. The region experiences warm winds throughout the year. 2. Burning hot sunlight. 3. The air is so thin that the heat of the sun is felt intensely. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only. Explanation Ladakh is a cold desert located in the Great Himalayas, characterized by extremely high altitude (ranging from about 3,000 m to 8,000 m). Its climate is defined by extreme cold, aridity, and specific atmospheric conditions resulting from its elevation. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: Ladakh does not experience warm winds throughout the year. Due to its high altitude and location in the Himalayas, the region experiences freezing winds and burning hot sunlight. The temperatures remain low for most of the year, with winters being extremely cold (temperatures often dropping below -40°C). - Statement 2 is Correct: Despite the cold ambient temperature, the sunlight in Ladakh is described as "burning hot." This is a specific characteristic of high-altitude deserts where the solar insolation is very strong. - Statement 3 is Correct: The primary reason for the intense heat of the sun is the atmospheric density. At such high altitudes, the air is extremely thin. Thin air provides less scattering and absorption of solar radiation, causing the heat of the sun to be felt intensely on the surface. It is often noted that in Ladakh, one can suffer from both sunstroke and frostbite simultaneously if sitting in the sun with feet in the shade. Key Takeaway: Ladakh’s cold desert climate is characterized by high altitude, extremely thin air, freezing winds, and intense solar insolation, leading to a unique condition where sunlight is scorching despite freezing ambient air temperatures.

NCERT Class 7 Geography — Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

mcqeasy

Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the climate in Ladakh?

The region experiences warm winds throughout the year.
Burning hot sunlight.
The air is so thin that the heat of the sun is felt intensely.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Ladakh is a cold desert located in the Great Himalayas, characterized by extremely high altitude (ranging from about 3,000 m to 8,000 m). Its climate is defined by extreme cold, aridity, and specific atmospheric conditions resulting from its elevation.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Ladakh does not experience warm winds throughout the year. Due to its high altitude and location in the Himalayas, the region experiences freezing winds and burning hot sunlight. The temperatures remain low for most of the year, with winters being extremely cold (temperatures often dropping below -40°C).
Statement 2 is Correct: Despite the cold ambient temperature, the sunlight in Ladakh is described as "burning hot." This is a specific characteristic of high-altitude deserts where the solar insolation is very strong.
Statement 3 is Correct: The primary reason for the intense heat of the sun is the atmospheric density. At such high altitudes, the air is extremely thin. Thin air provides less scattering and absorption of solar radiation, causing the heat of the sun to be felt intensely on the surface. It is often noted that in Ladakh, one can suffer from both sunstroke and frostbite simultaneously if sitting in the sun with feet in the shade.

Key Takeaway:

Ladakh’s cold desert climate is characterized by high altitude, extremely thin air, freezing winds, and intense solar insolation, leading to a unique condition where sunlight is scorching despite freezing ambient air temperatures.

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

Consider the following statements regarding the general characteristics of deserts: 1. They are characterized by low rainfall and scanty vegetation. 2. They are always associated with extremely high temperatures. 3. Agriculture is impossible in desert areas even if water is available. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. It covers a large part of North Africa. 2. It touches exactly three countries. 3. Its total area is more than double the area of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the physical landscape of the Sahara Desert: 1. It consists solely of vast stretches of sand dunes. 2. It includes gravel plains and elevated plateaus with bare rocky surfaces. 3. Some rocky surfaces in the desert can be more than 2500m high. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following evidence suggests that the Sahara Desert was once a lush green plain?

easy

With reference to the climate of the Sahara Desert, consider the following statements: 1. The moisture evaporates faster than it accumulates. 2. The sky is typically overcast with heavy clouds. 3. Nights remain hot with temperatures staying above 30°C. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 2: Life in the Deserts

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The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Ladakh does not experience warm winds throughout the year. Due to its high altitude and location in the Himalayas, the region experiences freezing winds and burning hot sunlight. The temperatures remain low for most of the year, with winters being extremely cold (temperatures often dropping below -40°C).
Statement 2 is Correct: Despite the cold ambient temperature, the sunlight in Ladakh is described as "burning hot." This is a specific characteristic of high-altitude deserts where the solar insolation is very strong.
Statement 3 is Correct: The primary reason for the intense heat of the sun is the atmospheric density. At such high altitudes, the air is extremely thin. Thin air provides less scattering and absorption of solar radiation, causing the heat of the sun to be felt intensely on the surface. It is often noted that in Ladakh, one can suffer from both sunstroke and frostbite simultaneously if sitting in the sun with feet in the shade.

Key Takeaway: