What are Climatic Regions?
Climatic regions are large-scale geographical areas. They are characterized by distinct and relatively consistent patterns of temperature, precipitation, and other climatic factors. These patterns are primarily determined by latitude, altitude, and proximity to oceans and mountain ranges. Climatic regions play a crucial role in shaping the distribution of plant and animal life. They influence agricultural practices and affect human settlements and activities.
India can be divided into six main climatic regions:
*1. Tropical Wet Climate Region (Western Ghats and Coastal Areas)*
– Location: Western Ghats, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Goa
– Characteristics: High temperature, high humidity, heavy rainfall (over 2,000 mm/year)
– Features: Lush forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic beaches
*2. Tropical Dry Climate Region (Deccan Plateau)*
– Location: Deccan Plateau, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and parts of Karnataka
– Characteristics: Hot summers, mild winters, moderate rainfall (500-1,500 mm/year)
– Features: Agricultural lands, rocky terrain, and historical sites
*3. Semi-Arid Climate Region (Northwestern India)*
– Location: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh
– Characteristics: Hot summers, cold winters, low rainfall (200-500 mm/year)
– Features: Arid landscapes, desert ecosystems, and historical forts
*4. Temperate Climate Region (Himalayan Foothills)*
– Location: Himalayan foothills, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and parts of Nepal
– Characteristics: Mild summers, cold winters, moderate rainfall (1,000-2,000 mm/year)
– Features: Scenic valleys, snow-capped mountains, and trekking routes
*5. Alpine Climate Region (Himalayan Highlands)*
– Location: High-altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim
– Characteristics: Cold summers, harsh winters, low rainfall (200-500 mm/year)
– Features: Snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude lakes
*6. Sub-Tropical Climate Region (Eastern India)*
– Location: Eastern India, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and parts of Assam
– Characteristics: Hot summers, mild winters, moderate rainfall (1,000-2,000 mm/year)
– Features: Fertile plains, river deltas, and cultural heritage sites
These climatic regions support diverse ecosystems, agriculture, and human settlements, shaping India’s rich cultural and geographical landscape.
Note: One can draw diagram of climatic regions of India in the exam to secure good marks. 🙂