Latitude
Latitude is a crucial factor in determining climate, as it dictates the angle at which sunlight hits the Earth. In the context of India, the Tropic of Cancer runs through the center of the country, effectively dividing it into two climatic regions:
- Northern India experiences a subtropical climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers.
- Southern India, lying further south, enjoys a tropical climate, which is typically warm throughout the year, with marked wet and dry seasons due to the influence of the monsoon.
Understanding latitude's role in shaping India's climate is essential in studying broader climatic patterns, as it not only affects temperatures but also influences rainfall distribution and seasonal variations. Knowing these distinctions can help in understanding agricultural practices, human settlement, and biodiversity across the regions.