Question

"In spite of the moderating influences of the Himalayas variations exist in temperature, humidity and precipitation." Explain with example.

Answer 1

(i) In spite of the moderating influences of the Himalayas in the north and the sea in the south, regional variations do exist in temperature, humidity and precipitation. It is due to the six major controls of the climate of any place- latitude, altitude, pressure and wind system, distance from the sea (continentality), ocean currents and relief features.

(ii) Example. In summer, some parts of the Rajasthan desert in north-western India, record temperatures of ${50}^{o}C$, while it may be around ${20}^{o}C$ in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, in the north of the country. On a winter night, the temperature at Drass in Jammu and Kashmir may be as low as minus ${45}^{o}C$, while Thiruvananthapuram may have a temperature of ${22}^{o}C$.