Climatic Diversity in the Indian Subcontinent

“The Indian Subcontinent experiences a wide range of climatic conditions due to its vast size, varied topography, and location.”

Factors Influencing Climate

Latitude: Spanning from about 6°44' N to 37°6' N, resulting in tropical to temperate climate zones.
Altitude: Varies from sea level to the highest mountains, influencing temperature and rainfall.
The Himalayas: Act as a barrier preventing cold Central Asian winds from entering South Asia and affecting monsoon patterns.
The Thar Desert: Creates low pressure areas that help in the formation of the monsoon.
The Indian Ocean: Its surrounding seas (Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal) influence humidity and rainfall distribution.
Monsoon Winds: Seasonal reversal of winds causes wet and dry seasons.

Tropical Wet (Humid) Climate: Found in the western coast, northeastern states, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Characterized by heavy rainfall throughout the year.
Tropical Dry Climate: Includes the interior Deccan Plateau and parts of the peninsula, with distinct wet and dry seasons.
Arid and Semi-Arid Climate: Covers the Thar Desert and adjoining areas with low and erratic rainfall.
Subtropical Humid Climate: Northern plains and foothills of Himalayas have hot summers and cool winters with significant rainfall during monsoon.
Mountain Climate: Found in Himalayan regions with temperature decreasing with altitude and snowfall in winters.

Southwest Monsoon: Main rainy season from June to September, bringing 75% of annual rainfall.
Northeast Monsoon: Occurs from October to December, especially affecting Tamil Nadu and southeastern coast.
Variability: Rainfall varies widely from over 4000 mm in places like Mawsynram (Meghalaya) to less than 100 mm in the western desert.
Factors Affecting Rainfall Distribution: Relief, distance from sea, wind patterns, and pressure systems.

Tropical Lowlands: Experience high temperatures throughout the year, with summer temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
Himalayan Region: Temperatures decrease with altitude, with sub-zero temperatures and snowfall in winters.
Desert Areas: Experience extreme temperatures, very hot days and cold nights.
Coastal Areas: Moderate temperatures due to the proximity of the sea.

Agriculture: Diverse crops are grown due to varying climate zones – rice in wet areas, wheat in temperate zones, millet and pulses in dry areas.
Biodiversity: Supports a wide variety of flora and fauna adapted to different climates.
Human Settlements: Climate influences settlement patterns and lifestyle.
Natural Hazards: Vulnerable to droughts, floods, cyclones, and landslides due to diverse climates.

SSC CGL 2017: Name the factors responsible for climatic diversity in the Indian Subcontinent.
Latitude, altitude, Himalayas, Indian Ocean, monsoon winds, and the Thar Desert.
RRB NTPC 2018: What is the role of the Himalayas in the climate of the Indian Subcontinent?
They act as a barrier to cold Central Asian winds and influence monsoon rainfall.
SSC MTS 2019: Describe the monsoon system of India.
The seasonal reversal of winds that bring wet summers (southwest monsoon) and dry winters (northeast monsoon).
HSSC CET 2020: Which parts of India receive rainfall during the northeast monsoon?
Tamil Nadu and southeastern coastal areas.
SSC CHSL 2016: What type of climate is found in the Thar Desert?
Arid and semi-arid climate with low and erratic rainfall.
RRB Group D 2019: Why does temperature vary widely in the desert areas?
Due to low humidity, hot days, and cold nights.
SSC GD 2018: How does the Indian Ocean influence the climate of the Indian Subcontinent?
It regulates temperature and provides moisture that leads to rainfall during the monsoon.