Question

Give reasons for the following.

Kanyakumari experiences a low annual range of temperature.

Answer 1

 

1. Strong maritime (ocean) influence: The town is very close to large bodies of water, and the sea heats up and cools down much more slowly than land; this moderates both summer highs and winter lows so the annual range is small.
2. Low latitude/near the Equator: Being near 8°N means there is little seasonal change in the sun’s angle (solar radiation remains relatively constant through the year), so seasonal temperature differences are small.
3. Sea breezes, high humidity and surrounding oceans: Constant onshore winds, high moisture content and the surrounding seas reduce day–to–day and seasonal temperature swings (equable or maritime climate)
4. Lack of continentality and altitude effects: Kanyakumari is not inland or at high elevation, so it doesn’t experience the large heating/cooling contrasts that produce high annual ranges.