CLIMATE

  • General weather conditions over a period of thirty years period is said to be the climate of a place.
  • Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere over an area at any point of time.
  • Temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation are elements of weather and climate.
  • Generalised monthly atmospheric conditions determine the basis on which the year is divided into the seasons — summer, winter or rainy.
  • India has a monsoon type of climate.
  • Monsoon is basically a seasonal reversal in the wind through the year.
  • There is huge difference in temperature from one region to another.
  • Form of precipitation, its amount and distribution also differ from one part of India to another.
  • Coastal areas observe lesser difference in temperature conditions. It is the interior of India that experiences temperature contrasts.
  • Decrease in rainfall is seen from east to west in the Northern Plains. All this influences diversity in professions, food, dress and houses of people.

Climatic Controls

  • The interplay of latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, pressure and wind system, ocean currents and relief features determine climatic conditions of a place.