Which line divided india into two parts (northern and southern) and wh...
**The Tropic of Cancer Divided India into Two Parts (Northern and Southern)**
The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line that circles the Earth parallel to the equator at approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude. This line plays a significant role in dividing India into two distinct parts: the northern region and the southern region. Let's delve into the details of how this division occurs.
**1. The Tropic of Cancer: Location and Significance**
The Tropic of Cancer passes through various countries including India. In the case of India, this line cuts across several states, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram. It is positioned at approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude, marking the northern limit of the Sun's direct rays during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
**2. Impact on Climate**
The Tropic of Cancer significantly influences India's climate, dividing the country into two climatic zones: the tropical zone to the south and the subtropical zone to the north.
- **Northern Zone**: The states located to the north of the Tropic of Cancer, such as Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, fall under the subtropical zone. These regions experience four distinct seasons: summer, winter, spring, and autumn. The summers can be scorching hot, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, while winters can be chilly, with temperatures dropping close to freezing point.
- **Southern Zone**: The states located to the south of the Tropic of Cancer, including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, lie in the tropical zone. These regions typically experience only two main seasons: summer and monsoon. The summers are hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, while the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall due to the proximity to the Indian Ocean.
**3. Agricultural Implications**
The division created by the Tropic of Cancer has significant agricultural implications for India.
- **Northern Zone**: The subtropical climate of the northern region is suitable for the cultivation of crops like wheat, barley, mustard, and pulses. These crops thrive in the relatively cooler winters and benefit from the fertile alluvial soils found in the Gangetic plains.
- **Southern Zone**: The tropical climate of the southern region supports the growth of crops like rice, sugarcane, coconut, and spices. These crops require high temperatures and abundant rainfall, which are characteristic of the southern states.
**In conclusion**, the Tropic of Cancer at approximately 23.5 degrees north latitude divides India into two parts: the northern region with a subtropical climate and the southern region with a tropical climate. This division has a significant impact on the climate patterns and agricultural practices of the respective regions.
Which line divided india into two parts (northern and southern) and wh...
Tropic of Cancer is 23 degree 30'N
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