Altitude
Altitude significantly influences India's climate, introducing variations in temperature and precipitation across different regions. The northern mountains, such as the Himalayas, provide a barrier to cold winds from Central Asia, resulting in milder winters in India compared to regions at similar latitudes. Precise examples highlight temperature discrepancies: the temperature can soar to 50°C in Rajasthan's desert while remaining around 20°C in Pahalgam, J&K. In contrast, the more moderate temperatures of coastal areas are contrasted with the extremes found in desert interiors.
Key Points:
- Elevation Variations: With an average height of about 6,000 meters, India's mountainous regions experience significant climatic impact. The high altitudes result in cooler temperatures, especially during summers, altering local weather patterns.
- Temperature Discrepancies: Day and night temperature differentiation is pronounced in deserts (e.g., Thar) as opposed to coastal regions, where temperatures are more consistent.
- Precipitation Patterns: The types of precipitation also differ by altitude; the Himalayas predominantly receive snowfall whereas the rest of India experiences rainfall. Meghalaya logs over 400 cm of annual rainfall, while arid regions like Ladakh see less than 10 cm, highlighting altitude's critical role.
- Seasonal Influence: Weather patterns leading to distinct seasons from cold, hot, to wet periods are influenced drastically by altitude, as demonstrated by the Himalayas blocking cold winds and impacting region-wide climates.
The interplay of altitude with other climatic controls underlines the diverse natural environment and informs agricultural practices and living conditions across India.