Question

Describe in brief the changes occurring in the climatic conditions of India while going from south to north.

Answer 1

1. Very cold winds blowing from the north are obstructed by the Himalayas. Similarly, the South–West Monsoons retreat from the Shiwalik and Himachal ranges of the Himalayas. Because of high temperatures in the summer, low-pressure areas develop in the Punjab plains and the Thar desert of Rajasthan.
2. This attracts winds coming from the high-pressure region in the Indian Ocean which starts blowing towards the mainland of India. These moisture-laden winds bring rainfall.
3. Because of the obstruction caused by the Eastern and Western Ghats, it rains more in the coastal areas.

Answer 2

The following changes can be observed in India's climatic conditions as one moves from south to north.

1. India has a ‘monsoon’ type of climate. India has a variety of climates, nevertheless. This is caused by the area’s altitude and latitudinal location (north-south extent).
2. As the Tropic of Cancer runs through the centre of India, the country is classified as tropical, with higher average temperatures throughout the year.
3. Also, because it divides the country into a Temperate Zone in the north and a Tropical Zone in the south, the climate in North India is generally cool and dry in the winter and very hot in the summer, whereas temperatures in South India are high all year, with high humidity due to its proximity to the sea.
4. Furthermore, Kerala receives rainfall from the South-West monsoon winds, whilst Tamil Nadu receives rain from the North-East monsoon winds.
5. The Western Ghats hinder the south-west monsoon winds, hence the windward side of the region receives orographic rainfall, while the leeward side, i.e. the Deccan Plateau, receives less rain.
6. On the other hand, the Aravali ranges run parallel to the wind and are not high enough to block rain-bearing winds. This leads to little rainfall in regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
7. Winter temperatures in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as areas of the Himalayan mountain range, can plummet to −40° Celsius. This is because these areas are higher in elevation and above sea level. Also, orographic rainfall occurs as a result of the Himalayas’ natural blockage.