What are the controls affecting the climate of India?
The controls affecting the climate of India are: latitude, altitude, pressure and wind system, distance from the sea, ocean currents and relief features.
Latitude: Nearly half of India, lies south of the Tropic of Cancer, while the rest, lies in the sub-tropics.
The climate therefore has characteristics of tropical as well as subtropical climates.
Altitude: To the north are mountains with an average height of 6,000 metres. India also has a vast coastal area with maximum elevation of 30 metres. The difference in altitudes results in different climatic conditions in the country.
Relief features: The Himalayas prevent the cold winds from Central Asia entering the subcontinent resulting in milder winters. the three water bodies surrounding India also have a moderating effect on its climate.
Pressure and Winds: The climate is also affected by pressure and surface winds, upper air circulation, Western cyclonic disturbances and tropical cyclones.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 9 courses
What are the controls affecting the climate of India?
There are six major controls of the climate of any place. They are latitude, altitude, pressure and wind system, distance from the sea (continentality), ocean currents and relief features.
What are the controls affecting the climate of India?
Controls Affecting the Climate of India:
India's climate is influenced by various factors, both natural and man-made. These controls play a crucial role in shaping the country's diverse climate conditions. Let's delve into the details of these controls:
1. Latitude:
- India is located between approximately 8°N and 37°N latitude, which places it in the tropical and subtropical zones.
- The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country, resulting in a significant influence of the tropical climate.
2. Topography:
- The diverse topography of India significantly impacts its climate.
- The northern part is dominated by the Himalayan mountain range, which acts as a barrier against the cold winds from Central Asia, resulting in a temperate climate in the region.
- The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats influence the southwest and northeast monsoons respectively, leading to variations in rainfall patterns across different regions.
3. Monsoons:
- The Indian subcontinent experiences a distinct monsoon climate due to the influence of the Indian Ocean and the Himalayas.
- The southwest monsoon, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall to the country, accounting for the majority of its annual precipitation.
- The northeast monsoon, from October to December, affects the eastern coast of India.
- These monsoons are responsible for the seasonal variations in temperature, rainfall, and humidity.
4. Ocean Currents:
- The warm waters of the Indian Ocean influence the climate of India.
- The Southwest Monsoon is primarily driven by the southwest trade winds that bring moisture from the Arabian Sea, resulting in heavy rainfall along the western coast.
- The presence of the Bay of Bengal affects the northeast monsoon, which brings rainfall to the eastern coast.
5. El Niño and La Niña:
- The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, characterized by the warming (El Niño) or cooling (La Niña) of the Pacific Ocean, influences India's climate.
- El Niño events generally lead to reduced rainfall during the monsoon season, causing drought conditions in some parts of the country.
- La Niña, on the other hand, often brings above-average rainfall.
6. Anthropogenic Factors:
- Human activities, such as deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization, have a significant impact on India's climate.
- Deforestation disrupts local weather patterns and reduces rainfall.
- Urban heat islands, created by the high concentration of buildings and paved surfaces, contribute to higher temperatures in cities.
- Industrial emissions, including greenhouse gases, contribute to global climate change, which in turn affects India's climate.
In conclusion, the climate of India is influenced by a combination of natural factors like latitude, topography, monsoons, ocean currents, and climate oscillations, as well as anthropogenic factors. Understanding these controls is crucial for comprehending the diverse climatic conditions across different regions of the country.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 9 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 9.