Sambhav-2024

• Start the answer with a discussion that sets a context for the question.
• Discuss the factors that determine the climate of India.
• Mention Suitable Illustrations.
• Conclude suitably.

Introduction

India's diverse geographical features contribute to a varied and complex climate. The country's climate is shaped by a multitude of factors, resulting in diverse climatic conditions that vary from the tropical regions in the south to the temperate zones in the north.

Body

India’s climate is determined by below factors:

• Latitude: The northern part of India lies in the sub-tropical and temperate zone and the part lying south of the Tropic of Cancer falls in the tropical zone.
  • The tropical zone being nearer to the equator, experiences high temperatures throughout the year with small daily and annual ranges.
  • Area north of the Tropic of Cancer being away from the equator, experiences an extreme climate with high daily and annual ranges of temperature.
  • Being close to the equator (low latitude), Kerala experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures throughout the year while Delhi, at a higher latitude compared to Kerala, experiences a subtropical climate with distinct seasons.
• The Himalayan Mountains: The lofty Himalayas in the north along with its extensions act as an effective climatic divide.
  • The towering mountain chain provides an invincible shield to protect the subcontinent from the cold northern winds.
  • These cold and chilly winds originate near the Arctic circle and blow across central and eastern Asia.
  • The Himalayas also trap the monsoon winds, forcing them to shed their moisture within the Subcontinent.
• Distribution of Land and Water: India is flanked by the Indian Ocean on three sides in the south and girdled by a high and continuous mountain wall in the north.
  • This differential heating of land and sea creates different air pressure zones in different seasons in and around the Indian subcontinent.
  • Difference in air pressure causes a reversal in the direction of monsoon winds.
• Distance from the Sea: With a long coastline, large coastal areas have an equable climate. Areas in the interior of India are far away from the moderating influence of the sea. Such areas have extremes of climate.
  • Thus, residents of Mumbai remain relatively unaware of temperature extremes while locations in the country's interior, such as Delhi, Kanpur, and Amritsar, experience distinct seasonal variations.
• Altitude: Temperature decreases with height. Due to thin air, places in the mountains are cooler than places on the plains.
  • For example, Agra and Darjiling are located on the same latitude, but temperature of January in Agra is 16°C whereas it is only 4°C in Darjiling.
• Relief: The physiography or relief of India also affects the temperature, air pressure, direction and speed of wind, and the amount and distribution of rainfall.
  • The windward sides of the Western Ghats and Assam receive high rainfall in June-September whereas the southern plateau remains dry due to its leeward situation along the Western Ghats.

Conclusion

Recognizing the intricate interplay of diverse factors in shaping India's climate is vital for formulating strategies that foster climate resilience and sustainable development in the region.