Climate of India: Diverse

Patterns and Influences

By- Aaryan Lal Das
Overview of India's Varied Climatic Regions
India is known for its diverse climate, with a variety of climatic regions ranging
from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the north. The climate is
influenced by factors such as latitude, altitude, proximity to the sea, and the
presence of mountain ranges.

India's diverse climatic regions play a crucial role in shaping the country's
ecosystems, agricultural patterns, and overall way of life for its inhabitants. The
monsoon, which brings the majority of the annual rainfall, is a vital factor
influencing agriculture and water resources across the country.
Introduction to Geographical location of India

India is a country located in South Asia and is the seventh-largest

country in the world by land area.

India is situated on the Indian subcontinent, a large peninsular

region in South Asia. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea to the
west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the
south.

The mainland of India extends approximately between latitudes

8°4' and 37°6' north and longitudes 68°7' and 97°25' east.
India's climate significantly shapes its diverse ecosystems:
1.Tropical and Subtropical Zones:
 Support lush rainforests and diverse vegetation.
2.Desert Ecosystem:
 Thar Desert features arid conditions with specialized flora and fauna.
3.Mountain Ecosystems:
 Himalayan range hosts varied ecosystems at different elevations, contributing
to high biodiversity.
4.Coastal and Island Ecosystems:
 Mangroves in coastal regions, unique ecosystems in islands.
5.Riverine Ecosystems:
 Riparian zones along rivers support diverse flora and fauna.
6.Monsoon Influence:
 Shapes tropical rainforests, influences agriculture, and contributes to
biodiversity hotspots.
7.Biodiversity Hotspots:
 Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas harbor a concentration of endemic species.
8.Agricultural Diversity:
 Climate influences varied agricultural practices across the country.
 Classification of climates
India's Köppen climate classifications include:
1.Tropical (A):
 Aw (Tropical Savanna) in the north.
 Am (Tropical Monsoon) in the south.
2.Arid and Semi-Arid (B):
 BWh (Hot Desert) in Thar Desert.
 BSh (Hot Semi-Arid) in northwestern regions.
3.Subtropical (C):
 Cwa (Monsoon-Influenced) in the northern plains.
 Cfa (Humid Subtropical) in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and northeastern states.
4.Mountain (H):
 Himalayan Region with various subtypes.
5.Others:
 Equatorial (Af) in parts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
 Semi-Arid (Steppe, BSh) in parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
These classifications reflect India's climatic diversity, influencing ecosystems, agriculture, and
lifestyles.