Unit Climate

weather refers to the atmospheric conditions (temperature, rainfall, humidity, and pressure)
of a place over a short period of time. It is often localised. cimate is a generalisation of the
day-to-day weather conditions over a long period, usually 30 years, In this unit you will learn
about: Pakistan's climatic zones and seasons climatic elements how climate affects people's
lives and economica activities Arid climater Climatic Zones Pakistan's topographical features
range from lofty mountains in the north to coastal plains in the south. This diversity leads to a
variety of climates: A Highland climate B Lowland climate D C Coastal climate In Figure 2.1,
Zone A has a highland climate in the a northern, north-western and western mountains. In
Zone B a lowland climate prevails over the whole of page 25 Boundary, Intema oundary.
Province Boundary: Working Line of Control Azad Jammu & Kashmir What are the mean
January and July temperatures in Area A? AFGHANISTAN INDIA CHINA IRAN
wintera,warm summ n of Kutch * Refer to page vii for more detaila Figure 2.1 Pakistan
Climatic Zones river floods storms droughts in Pakistan. the Indus Plain. Zone C has a
coastal climate experienced by the Makran Coast, Karachi Coast and Indus Delta to the
Rann of Kutch. Zone D has an arid climate and includes the south-eastern desert and
south-western Balochistan. Climatic zones do not experience exactly the same conditions
throughout the zone. There are great variations in rainfall, temperature, humidity etc. within a
zone. For example, the northern and western highlands are in the same climatic zone, but
the amount and seasonal distribution of their rainfall is different. The Murree and Hazara hills
experience more than 1500 mm average annual rainfall, mostly in summer, whereas in the
western highlands, Quetta and Pishin receive 250-500 mm average annual rainfall.. Winter
is the wettest season.. A Highland Climate This region includes northern, north-western
anda western highlands. Winters are long, cold and snowy, and summers are short and
mild.. In mountainous areas rainfall is normally associated with altitude. The height of the
Northern Mountains ranges from 2000 to over 8000 metres, while the Western Mountains
are approximately 1000 to over 4000 metres. Rainfall in the Northern Mountains is the
highest in the highland zone; the Western Mountains experience less rainfall. From south of
Kohat and
Waziristan, rainfall decreases and occurs in winter. To the north-west, Gilgit and Chitral also
experience low rainfall, as they are rainshadow areas. Temperatures also vary with altitude.
Summers are short, mild and wet in the Northern Mountains buta dry and warm in the
Western Mountains. B Lowland Climate This region includes all of the Indus Plain except the
coastal areas. Most parts of the Indus Plain lie at the a western end of the tropical monsoon
zone. It has an arid and extreme climate with hot summers, coola winters and summer
monsoon rainfall. The amount south: the foothills of of rainfall differs from north the Northern
Mountains and Potwar Plateau are wettera than the Indus Plain, and also receive rainfall
froma Western Depressions. Thunderstorms are common in the north and north west of the
Indus Plain. The southern Upper Indus Plain and the whole of the Lower Indus Plain have
much less rainfall and very hot spells. c Coastal Climate This region includes the southern
coastal strip comprising the Indus Delta, Karachi and the Makran Coast. The climate is
dominated by sea breezes all year. The maritime influence (Figure 2.2) keeps the daily
temperature range low. Winter Mid-December to Marcha Low temperature in most areas:
5°C- 15°C. Coastal areas mild to warm in winter, around 20°C-25°C. Rainfall Western
Depressions bring some rainfall to N & W areas. Early Summer April to June High
temperature Low temperature in most areas: 5°C- 15 °C. from 3°C to 53°C. Winds from
Rajasthan Desert blow to SW: hot spells Karachi (42 °C) General aridity: rainfall 25-130 mm.
Thunderstorms bring some rain to N Punjab & Vale of Peshawar. High pressure prevails. A
low-pressure system begins to develop at Multan to attract monsoon winds. Prevailing winds
Maritimes climate (warm summers and mild winters) Continenta climate (hot summe and
mild b cooler wintersi heats up quickly cools down quickly heats up slowly cools down slowly
Figure 2.2 The physical difference between water a land accounts for differences in rates of
heating anca cooling The influence of the sea is felt mainly through tha sea and on land
prevailing winds. The temperature different owing to unequal heating of land and was. by the
sun. Land and water absorb the sun's hear different rates, and also radiate or lose it at
different speeds. In summer the land heats up, while the oceand remains comparatively
cool. In winter the land los heat quickly and becomes cold, while the ocean much warmer
and keeps its warmth for a long time The humidity level is moderately high, exceeding 50%
from April to September. Mean monthly temperature is 32 °C, and May, June and October
are the hottest months. In October, dry winds from the south-eastern desert dominate the
climate. Rainfall is scanty alla year. From Karachi to the Rann of Kutch, the coast
experiences most of its rainfall during the monsoon season, while on the Makran Coast, rain
falls in winter. Late Summer (Monsoon) July to September Mean monthly temperature
exceeds 35 °C in most areas. Formation of stratus clouds lowers temperature. Monsoon
winds from Bay of Bengal & Indian Ocean: heavy rain Punjab. Less rainfall in S Punjab &
Sindh due to secondary system of monsoon winds.. Almost no rainfall in W highlands &
Balochistan Plateau. Variability of rainfall above normal. Low pressure develops in Punjab &
Sindh. FiguFe ?8 Normal temperature, rainfall and pressure conditions in Pakistan The
Environment of Pakistan Post-Monsoon October to mid-December Temperature drops from
18 °C to below 5 °C. Temperature rises in October and drops November/ December;
generally dry. General aridity, very little rainfall. No active wind system present. High
pressure begins to establish.AFGHANISTAN LEGEND Boundary. Province oundary; Workin
e of Control Cities Azad Jammu & Kashmir Temperature Diversity of temperature in various
regions is due to the following factors: Large spread of latitude from 24°N to 37°N. Diversity
of relief from mountains up to 8610 metres in the north, to low-lying coastal areas in the
south The upper and lower Indus Plains heat up in summer, taking the daily maximum
temperature to 40-45°C which is very hot. Jacobabad, in the lower Indus Plain, is known as
the 'thermal pole' of the subcontinent, where the maximum temperature reaches 53°C in
June, and the mean monthly maximum temperature reaches 43°C in May and June (Figure
2.5). Mean Monthly temperature in °C 40 30° Rainfall in mm Temperature Key JACOBABAD
50 250 200 Description Very hot 150 100 50 Mean monthly maximum temperature Mean
monthly minimum temperature Mean monthly rainfall Temperature 40°C and above
31°C-39°C Hot 21°C-30°C Warm 10°C-20°C 3°C-9°C -5°C-2°C Below -5°C Mild Cool Cold
Very cold Figure 2.5 CHINA June Temperature LEGEND D Arid Climate South-western
Balochistan and the southa -easterna desert have an arid climate: it is dry and hot. Hot duste
winds prevail almost continuously from mid-Mavan mid-September. Most of the scanty rain
in south western Balochistan falls in winter. In the south a eastern desert, summer
monsoons bring little rain. Extreme heat, dryness and dust storms are the maing features of
this arid climate Pakistan: the Seasons Pakistan has four seasons: winter (mid-December
March); early summer (April-June); late summer (monsoon) (July-September);
post-monsoon (October-mid-December). Figure 2.3 explains the temperature, rainfall and a
pressure conditions that normally prevail in Pakistan with reference to some particular areas.
Climatic Elements The four main climatic elements: temperature, pressure, rainfall and wind
are responsible for the regional and seasonal variations in the climates of Pakistan. January
Temperature LEGENDE GILGIT-BALTISTAN ‫ ليبيان‬CHINA AFGHANISTAN IRAN 15 INDIA
IRAN INDIA Refer to page viii for more details Figure 2.4 The mean monthly temperature in
most areas of Pakistan is 10-15°C in January. Only southern areas have temperatures
above 15°C. Many northern and western areas are below 5°C. Now do Skills Book page 5.
vesp ARARIAN page Figure 2.6 In June, most of Pakistan has temperatures from 32° to
35°C. Jacobabad and Nok Kundi have the highest temperature i.e. above 35°C. Only the
northern and western have below 27°c.
Coastal ays nave moderate temperatures in summer and anter. Sea breezes dominate the
climate, lowering the ally temperature range. NIGHT Light land breeze Land coole Sea
remains DAY rises eeze Cooler sea Figure 2.7 Coastal breezes are the result of unequal
heating of land and water. Factors affecting temperature of Pakistan Latitudinal effect: areas
closer to the Equatorn receive relatively direct rays of the sun resulting in high temperature.
Southern Pakistan is closer the Eguator than Northern Pakistan. Continental effect: a
general term covering the climate of areas protected from or unaffected by maritime
influence (the influence of the sea on temperatures). Along coasts, ocean currents and
prevailing winds usually have a moderating effect on temperature. This is why extreme
winter and summer temperatures are recorded in the interior of large landmasses, away
from the moderating influence of the sea. Altitude and temperature There is a relationship
between altitude, air density and temperature. The air is densest at sea level because that is
where it absorbs most water vapour, dust particles and solar radiation. Air is least dense at
high altitude because less solar radiation is absorbed at that level. With less air to absorb
heat at higher altitude, there is an average drop of 6.5°C in temperature for each 1000-metre
increase in altitude. Cloud cover and temperature Cloud cover affects temperature to a some
extent In the daytime it reduces the amount of incoming resulting in a drop in day
temperatures. At night solar radiation by- reflecting it back into space, the cloud cover traps
the outgoing heat. As result, temperature on a cloudy night does not drop as low as
temperature on a clear night Latitude and the angle of the sun 'Angle of the sun' refers to
Earth's position ind relation to the sun. The diagram shows thath the sun's rays do not fall at
the same angle everywhere on the Earth's surface. Latitudinat position determines the
amount of heat receivec by the Earth. For example, compared with the at the Equator (C-D),
a sun's rays that fall nearer the sun's rays falling near the North and South Poles have to
heat a larger surface area (A-B)a travel further through the atmosphere, and willa have less
heating effect. Similarly, the difference in the heat received in summer and winter is due to
the difference in the angle of the sun. summer, the northern hemisphere (Pakistan is in the
northern hemisphere, north of the Tropic of Cancer) is tilted towards the sun; therefore the
land absorbs more heat because: a) of the high angle of the sun b) it faces the sun for longer
duration (longer days and shorter nights). In winter, the northern hemisphere is tilted away
from the sun (i.e. a low angle of the sun) so Earth absorbs less heat and faces the sun for
less time (shorter days and longer nights). Low angle of the sun: longer distance through the
atmosphere covered by sun's rays (A-B) at higher latitudes Equator High angle of the sun:
shorter distance through the atmosphere covered by sun's rays (C-D) closer
Equator.LEGEND Region Arens Temperature Season Winter lghland Zone Very Cold Com
Murree Muzaffarabad. Drosh Summer Mild-Warm Quetta Winter Cold-Cool Kalat Parachinar,
Waziristan Summer Mild-Warm IRAN Northern tountains & North Western Mountains
Western bardering nountains Balochletan Plateau Lowland Zone Winter Cool-Mild Summer
Hot Islamabad, Sialkot, Sargodha, Multan Jacobabad, & Sukkur Reasons Low angle of sun
Height of the land/altituda Transfer of heate from centrai Pakistan. High angle of sun. Low
angle of suna Altitude and rainfall from Western Depressions. Continental effect aridity High
angle of sun. Low angle of sun Continental effecta Continental effecta High angle of sun.a
Coastal Zone Karachi Winter Mild Summer Warm-hol Jiwani, Pasni Ormara. Gwadar Arid
Zones Winter Cool-Mild Summer Hot Kharan Desert, South-western Balochistan.
South-eastern desert t times Maritime influence. Querta winds bring short cold spells.
Influence of Arabian Sea anda winds from Rajasthan (south-eastern desert). High angle of
sun. cloud cover in July & August. Low angle of sun. (Latitudinal effect) High angle of sun.
(Latitudinal effect) Lack of cloud cover. Figure 2.8 Seasonal and Regional Variations in a
Temperature *in the Highland zone the temperature falls below 5°C during winter, causing
snowfall on most mountain peaks. Summers are mild and pleasant. Rainfall Figure 2.9
shows that most of Pakistan is arid or semi-arid. Only a few northern areas have humid
conditions. Rainfall decreases from the Himalayas towards the south. Sources of rainfall are:
Monsoon winds Western Depressions Convectional currents causing thunderstorms Relief
rainfalla Tropical Cyclones AFGHANISTAN INDIA CHINA Figure 2.9 Annual rainfall The
Monsoon Winds The word monsoon means 'season. Summer monsoon winds are called
south-west monsoons and winter monsoon winds are called north-east monsoons.
South-west monsoons are giant sea breezes which bring heavy rainfall. The rains begin
when summer sun heats tropical continents much faster than the oceans around. Warm air
rising over land creates low pressure, which attracts cool, moist air from the sea, and rain
bearing winds gradually push further inland, bringing heavy rainfall. North-east monsoons
blow from the land towards the sea. In winter a high-pressure area is created over the Tropic
of Cancer. Winds blow from land to sea, which is a low-pressure area. They are mostly dry
and bring no significant change because they originate in a dry area. Figure 2.10 Flooding
brings traffic to a halt after a heavy monsoon shower in Karachi. Unit 2: ClimateFigure 2.1la
shows that the main monsoon winds blow from the Bay of Bengal. After crossing
Bangladesh and North India, the tail end of the wind enters northern Pakistan. The winds
normally begin in June and cause heavy rainfall in northern Punjab in July. Figure 2.12
shows that Lahore's mean rainfall in July and August is 125 mm. The monsoon season ends
in September. Figure 2.1la shows that some monsoon winds blowa across south-east
Pakistan from the Arabian Sea. They are weak and have little effect, but sometimes an
overactive monsoon system brings heavy rain to Karachi and the Sindh coast, damaging
infrastructure. Figure 2.12 Mean Monthly temperature in Rainfall in mm Lahore 250 200
Mean monthly maximum t Mean monthly 150 100 Mean n 50 Tibetan Plateau JULY China
Torre rai Arabian engal Mean Monthly temperature in °C Rainfall in mm Karachi 250 Mean
monthly 200 Mean monthl 150 20 Mean monthlys Indian Ocean KIP 100 Vinds Figure 2.11b
North-east monsoon winds Figure 2.13 shows that Karachi's total rainfall in July, August and
September is considerably lower than that in Lahore. Quetta Loralai Chagai Hills Kharan
IRAN Makran Coastal Range Lasbela INDIA 鐘 r to page vii for more de Figure 2.14
Western parts of Pakistan receive more rainfall from Western Depressions than from other
sources Indian Ocean Figure 2.11a South-west monsoon winds Monsoon winds are
seasonally reversed and driven by temperature differences between land and sea. They
blow towards the heart of the continent (land areas) in summer. * They blow towards the sea
in winter. Pakistan Arabian Tibetan Plateaur JANUARY China Himalayas Bay of Bengal
Figure 2.13 Western Depressions Western Depressions are cyclones which originate in the
Mediterranean Sea, cross Afghanistan and Iran, then reach western Pakistan. After striking
the north western areas such as Peshawar and northern Pakistan. they move towards the
west and south-west. By the time they reach south-western Balochistan they have lost their
moisture. These winds cause the rainfall in LEGENDE Boundary; Interna oundary; Province
Working Line of Con Azad Ja Kashm AFGHANISTAN GILGIT BALTISTA CHINA ASOND
The Environment of PakistanEffectiveness of winter precipitation in Pakistan Advantages
Light showers, absorbed by soil, Increase moisture content erosion. soll and help to prevent
soll main provides water to rivers and reservoirs that can be used r irrigation.s Supplies
water for HEP generation Barani crops in northem Pakistan depend on winter rainfala
Provides water for rabi crops such as wheat, barley, oilseeds and pulses Snowtall forms
glaciers in Karakoram, Hindu Kush anda Himalayas that feed the Indus system. Snowfall in
northern areas attracts tourists Monsoon Experience got out at around 7:30 am this morning
and found everything dark, wet and dangerous. It was raining so hard and visibility was so
poor that l had to turn on the headlights of my car. Smalla roads had become raging torrents
and even the main highway looked like a swollen river. The rain submerged streets all over
the city in just 25 minutes. The short burst of heavy rainfall wash accompanied by a strong
wind, having a velocity of 50-60km per hour. When I reached my office, I learned from my
colleagues that the meteorological office recorded 57mm at the airport. I didn't need to
switch on my AC as the rain and cloudy weather reduced the a maximum temperature from
35.3 to 27.2°C. The minimum temperature was 23.8°C, with 85 pera cent humidity in the
morning. I assumed that this weather pattern would continue for another 48 hours, though
the system would gradually lose its strength. My office had a deserted look as few people
had been able to reach it. Late arrivals at offices and a power disruptions affected work a
great deal and business activity, too, slowed down trade in markets, mainly because of the
inundation of roads around them.a It was risky to stay at the office if the same weather
persisted. I tried to contact my family but telephone lines were not working. Looking ata the
situation, I decided to go home. On my way back, my car got stuck in a depression filled with
rainwater and leakage from sewage pipes. All other vehicles were floating on the road,
giving off Disadvantages Crop planning becomes difficult because of the difference in
amount every year If rainfall is low, crop cultivation is difficult or impossible ons barani farms
Snowfall lowers the temperature in northern areas making cultivation impossible Causes
damage to the environment in the form of landslides, avalanches etc Transport gets blocked
by accumulated snow. Covers grazing lands with snow in extreme north, forcing farmers to
practise transhumance Health problems such as frostbite, asthma, lung infections and other
respiratory problems for people in highland areas heavy smoke from their worn-oute rain had
damaged the infrastructure to a greai extent, adding more miseries to people's lives. Dawn:
Lahore: Drivers tilt their rickshaws on flooded Ferozepur to remove water from engines. For
the next 24 hours, the whole city was at a standstill. It was announced on radio and TVa that
trains would be delayed and air flights had been cancelled. All educational institutions would
be closed and if the monsoon rainfall continued. an emergency would be declared. Fishing
communities were asked stay away from the wild sea as a precautionary measure. The
heavy rainfall in northern Punjab, particularly in the hilly tracts, may bring flooding and
destroy crops in Sialkot region, which located at the foothills of the Northern Mountains.
Looking on the bright side, at least the recent water shortages would be over. The level of
the Mangla and Tarbela Dams is also expected rise due to continuous heavy rainfall. I hope
that WAPDA will heave a sigh of relief as there will be no electricity crisis in the coming
months and more irrigation water will be available for the crops.these areas from December
to March. For example, Quetta receives most of its rainfall in wintera (Figure 2.15). Mean
Monthly temperature In Mean Monthly temperature in °C Rainfall in mm RAWALPINDI 250
150 Rainfall in mm QUETTA Mean monthly Figure 2.17 Mean Monthly temperature in °C
Rainfall in mm PESHAWAR Figure 2.15 Convectional Currents At the start of summer, hot
air, which has a high moisture content, rises. When it reaches the higher layers of the
atmosphere, condensation takes place (Figure 2.16). This causes rainfall, often as
thunderstorms. Strong winds accompanying the storms may pick up dust as well. Mean
Mean Mean monthly Figure 2.18 Figure 2.19 shows that a temperature inversion layer
prohibits condensation at the height of 1600m. a result, warm air descends and no rainfall
occurs. That is why Karachi and adjoining areas receive no convectional rainfall although
their maximum daily temperature crosses 40°C in May/June and October. Rain bearing
clouds 1600 Warm air comes downa Condensation takes place Warm air rising up
Criss-cross system of warm winds does not allow condensation to take place. Warm air
rising up The land masses heated up Figure 2.16 Convectional rainfall in northern Punjab
and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is caused by heated air in early summer. Only northern and
north-western Pakistan receive rainfall from convectional currents. Southern Pakistan is
deprived of convectional rainfall due to a temperature inversion layer. Look at the
temperature and rainfalla graphs (Figures 2.17 and 2.18) for Rawalpindi and Peshawar.
These areas receive some rainfall in early summer caused by convectional currents. The
Environment of Pakistan Land masses heated up during summe Figure 2.19 A temperature
inversion layer to the south of Pakistan does not allow convectional rainfall to take place a
despite high temperatures. Relief Rainfall Relief rainfall is related to the height of land. It
occurs where moist unstable air moves up a mountain ora scarp edge, and it is chilled. This
chilling causes heavy condensation and precipitation on the windward side. The lee slopes
tend to receive sinking, warming air, and a dry 'rainshadow' area may lie leeward of the
barrier (Figure 2.20).RELIEF RAIN Condensation level Dry rain-shadow area Mean Monthly
temperature in " KAKUL Windward side Reliet rain ward side Air warms Mean emperatun
Mean Rainfall in mm MURREE 250 Figure 2.20 Reliel rainfall is experienced in most high
alntude areas of Pakistan except for the 'rainshadow areas' such as Gilgit, where annual
rainfall is not more than 125 mm to vegetation on slopes Precipitation in form of snow in high
altitude areas Vegetation in valley areas onlya Figure 2.21 The landscape of Chitral, which is
a rainshadow area. A range of barren mountains and planted a or natural vegetation can be
seen in the valley areas. In the north and north-western area where there is high altitude,
some of the rainfall is due to relief. Figures 2.22 and 2.23 show that Murree and Kakul
receive rainfall in almost all seasons due to high altitude and other sources mentioned. Mean
Monthly temperature in "C SB Figure 2.23 Tropical Cyclones Tropical cyclones may bring a
few hours of very heavy rainfall with destructive winds to coastal areas. They originate over
the Arabian Sea quite often, but only reach the coast of Pakistan every few years. This
source of rainfall is totally unreliable both in terms of when and where on the coast it will
occur (see also pages 44-45). Pressure and Winds During summer, the temperature in
central Pakistan is high. This causes hot air to rise and form a low pressure zone. At the
same time, oceans and seas have comparatively low temperatures, because water absorbs
and discharges heat slowly compared to land. The air pressure over the oceans and seas is
higher than over the land during summer. This leads to the movement of moisture-laden
monsoon winds from sea to land. They bring heavy rainfall to the upper and lower Indus
Plain in July and August. Wind is caused by air flowing froma high pressure to low pressure.
direction is influenced by the Earth's rotation a 150 IJASOND Figure 2.22 Now do Skills
Book page 6 and 7. Mean monthly maximum temperature Mean monthly minimum
temperature Mean monthly Figure 2.24 It seems natural to assume that wind woulda blow
from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.. But in reality the earth rotates,
causing the wind to deflect a to the right (in relation to a straight line) in the Northern
Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.January rainfali CHINA
AFGHANISTAN INDIA or more detai Figure 2.25 Northern and western areas of Pakistana
receive raintall during winter season (January) due to Western Depressions EGEND July
rainfall CHINA AFGHANISTA INDIA LEGEND er to page vil for more 25 125 250 Climatic
Zones 1-Highland zone Sources Relief rainfall Monsoon rainfall Thunderstorms Western
Depressions Convectional rainfall in northern Punjab Western Depression northern Punjab
Monsoon rainfali Monsoon rainfall (Sindh coa Western Depressions (Makran coast) Tropical
cyclones Little rainfall from Monsoon winds and Western Depression Figure.6 Most of the
areas on the north and eastern a side of Pakistan receive rainfall from monsoon winds in
July. In winter the whole situation is reversed because the pressure over the land gradually
increases and a high pressure area is created in the north-west of Pakistan. The summer
monsoons gradually retreat in autumna and are replaced by land winds blowing out froma
the high-pressure area. These monsoon or the northeast monsoon. Figure 2.1 1b e called
the winter shows the direction of winds from land to sea. These winds are generally light and
dry. 2-Lowland zone 3- Coastal zone 4- Arid zone Figure 2.27 Sources of rainfall in Climatic
Zones Effectiveness of Rainfall Rainfall in Pakistan is mainly from monsoon winde and
Western Depressions. The monsoon winds bring rain during the summer season, which
varies in amount, timing and distribution. That is why monsoon rainfall is of limited value to
agriculture . Another factor that limits the usefulness of rainfall is high temperature conditions
from June to September over the Indus Plain. This leads to a great degree of
evapotranspiration. Monsoon rain falls in heavy showers, which is not very useful for crops,
because the land does not absorb the rainwater. Most of the monsoon rainfall drains away,
causing floods in low lying areas. However, reservoirs of the dams on River Indus and its
tributaries help to store extra water during the rainy season that can later be utilised in the
dry season. The variable nature of monsoon rainfall also lessens its usefulness for farmers.
Crop planning is very difficult if the amount and timing of rainfall have above norma
fluctuations. Only a tiny fraction of the Potwar Plateau has canal irrigation. For the rest, it is
'barani land' because of the impracticability of lifting irrigation water up to the plateau surface
and of irrigating the heavily eroded badland areas. Winter rainfall is more effective for
farmers because comes in light showers that continue for several daysHowever, winter
rainfall is insufficient and unreliable and only occurs in the western and northern region.
Coastal and southern Pakistan have to depend ons monsoon rainfall. Generally, rainfall in
Pakistan is neither dependable nor adequate. As a result, farming mainly depends on
irrigation. However, northern Punjab and the Potwar Plateau (being wetter than the rest of
Pakistan) have a number of 'rainfed' or 'barani' farms where subsistencer farming is
practised. It is not possible to develop canal irrigation in the Plateau region. Factors
accounting for climatic variations Pakistan's topographical features range froma lofty
mountains the north to the coastala plains in the south. This diversity of terrain leads to
marked differences in the climate of different regions. Generally high temperatures due to
latitudinal effect. Relief rainfall in the Northern and Western Mountains due to high altitude.
Monsoon winds system brings summer rainfall to the Indus Plain and northern areas.
Coastal areas have a maritime climate, i.e. low temperature range and high level of humidity.
Winds from the Arabian Sea keep temperatures comparatively low in summer and high in
winter. Western Depressions that originate in the Mediterranean Sea bring rainfall to western
areas of Pakistan in winter. Convectional currents bring rainfall to northern Punjab and
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in May and June. Central Pakistan enjoys high temperatures due to
continental effect. No convectional rainfall in the south of Pakistan in summer, due to
temperature inversion layer Tropical cyclones from the Arabian Sea occasionally bring
strong, destructive winds and heavy rain to coastal areas, Effects of Climate on Life and
Economica Activities of People in Different Regions Climate influences people's lifestyle,
economica activities and temperament to a great extent. Pakistan has a diversity of climate
due to differences in landscape. Highland Zone Severely cold winters and mild to warm
summers characterise the climate in northern and north western areas of the highland zone.
In the northern a areas the temperature falls below freezing point. The growth of trees is
retarded, the grass is buried under snow and at some places rivers and torrents also freeze.
During winter, farming is not possible. People are involved in indoor activities like
carpet-weaving, embroidery, pottery etc. Transhumance is also practised, i.e. moving flocks
up to the cooler highlands in summer and returning to the plains in winter. The barren hills of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are sparsely populated. Most of the Pathań tribes still live as nomadic
herders of goats and sheep. Due to extremely low winter temperatures, they have to move to
lowland areas with their animals. The Vale of Peshawar is the greenest part of this region,
with extensive woodlands, orchards and irrigated fields. Figure 2.28 Heavy snowfall in the
extreme north blocks roads during winter. It is hard for local people to get goods from
lowland areas.In the extreme north, many areas are inaccessible due to landslides and
heavy snowfall hampering transport links. Job opportunities are also limited in this region
and economic activities are difficult to carry out. Moving southwards, temperatures increase
in both summer and winter. The Western Highlands and barren mountains of Balochistan are
also sparsely populated due to harsh physical conditions. Annual rainfall is 125-250 mm in
most areas and occursa mainly during winter. Lack of water discourages human settlements.
Crop cultivation is also difficult.. However, apples, mangoes, apricots and grapes are grown
in high valleys. transpiration, a unique system of underground irrigation - 'karez' - is
practised. Karez is a narr subterranean canal which starts from the base of the hills and
mountains where subsoil water is present. On reaching the surface, it irrigates the orchards
fields, many of which are sheltered by date palme This indigenous method prevents the
water from a being evaporated by the heat of the sun or absorbea by the thirsty land. The
highland areas of Balochists with its cold and dry climate and winter rains due depressions,
are suitable for growing fruits (grapes apples, peaches and melons). Other crops include
millet, wheat and barley. Figure 2.29 In highland areas it is common to move animals and
necessary belongings to lowland areas in - wintera Arid Zone This zone is in two parts: the
south-eastern deserts and the Kharan Desert (including the Chagai Hills). The climate is one
of extremes, with low annual rainfall,a cool-mild winters and hot summers. Summers are
very hot during daytime. A region so deficient in moisture and so extreme in its temperature
cannot be ideal for habitation or cultivation. Most people are nomads and belong to such
groups as the Brahuis, Balochis and Pathans.. They move with their animals in search of
food and water. Due to scanty rainfall and excessive evapo The Environment of Pakistan
Figure 2.30 In lower Sindh, the camel is widely used as a means of transport by the local
people because it can retain water for several days. Desert covers almost all of Sindh and
southern Punjab The area receives only 100 mm of annual rainfall and the average monthly
temperature in summer over 38°C. Such extreme heat and low precipitation make crop
cultivation very difficult. However, large areas have been reclaimed for farming by
constructing perennial canals to irrigate the wester part of southern Punjab and a wide strip
either side of the Indus in Sindh. In those areas rice, wheat, cotton and oilseeds are
cultivated. The rest of the Thar desert is barren desert. The lifestyle of the people is also
affected by the climate. They wear thick clothes to protect themselves from hot winds, and
also wear turbans. They move from place to place in search of water for themselves and
their cattleLowland Zone - Semi-arid to Arid The fertile Punjab Plain, drained by the Indus
and its four tributaries, has a continental or extreme type of elimate because of its northerly
position. In daytime summers are extremely hot, while winters are cool to mild. Economically,
the Punjab Plain is the most productive agricultural region of Pakistan. In view of the varied
and irregular rainfall; there is a well developed canal irrigation system to raise crops like
wheat, millet, cotton and sugarcane. Q-box The Thar Desert should be reclaimed through
canal irrigation to increase production f food. The government should set up coal-fired
thermal power plants rather than use the land for farming. Which statement do you agree
with more? Give reasons for your answer and refer to places or examples you have studied
in Pakistan to support your answer. Figure 2.31 A traditional house in the Thar Desert,
located in the arid zone. Due to extremely low rainfall and higha temperatures, water is used
with great care. The smalla utensils have been fully covered to prevent evaporation losses.
Mud walls and slanting thatched roofs keep the houses cool without fans or air conditioners.
Punjab is the most densely populated province of Pakistan because of its alluvial plains,
moderate rainfall and tolerable summer and winter temperatures. Figure 2.32 Climate
directly affects the style of construction of houses. For example, in Tharparkar, which is
particularly hot in summer, houses are often built with fixed ventilators on the roof to attract
any breeze that blows from the southwest into the window-less interior. The walls are made
of sun-dried bricks plastered over with mud. The roof is of thick straw or reed supported by
beans and mud-plastered Coastal Zone Pakistan has a delta coastline in Sindh and the hilly
Makran coast in Balochistan. Karachi, Thatta and Badin are important centres on the Sindh
coast and Gwadar, Ormara and Pasní are located on the Makran Coast. Karachi has a mild
climate with a low average precipitation (approximately 250 mm per annum), the bulk of
which occurs during the July-August monsoon season. Winters are mild and summers are
hot. However, the proximity to the sea maintains humiditya at a high level (60-70%), and cool
sea breezes relieve the heat of the summer months. The winter months (November to
February) are generally considered the best time to visit Karachi, when most of the social
events take place. Tourists and expatriates visit Karachi in these months. The climate of the
Makran Coast is dry and hot. The maximum temperature in June remains between 31 °Ch
and 40°C and in the coolest month of January it varies from 18°C to 19°C. The oceanic
influence keeps the temperature lower than the inland areas summer and higher in winter.
Humidity prevails all along the coast and average annual rainfall is below 250 mm. The
extent of precipitation affects the supply of drinking water in Gwadar district, as most of it is
provided from reservoirs which are rain-dependent. Life and Economy in Thar Desert: A
case study The Thar Desert is in the south-east of Pakistan. It is a dry sandy desert of about
22,000 square kilometres, of which about 20% is cultivated. Crops of guar, millet, mung
bean, kidney bean, sesame, watermelons and castor seeds are grown on abouta 80% of this
cultivated land and fodder crops on the rest. The crops depend on rainfall except in a fewa
canal-irrigated areas in the west. Cash crops like chillies, onion, garlic, brinjal anda wheat
are grown using well water in the south. Thea soil is sandy but also contains fine particles of
clay and silt which make it fertile. The rain is collected in the traditional style in ponds and
tanks and also by building mud bunds on small temporary rivers to hold up the flow. Rainfall
is the only source of fresh surface and groundwater. The low rainfall occurs during the
monsoon season from July to September in a few, scattered but heavy showers. The
irregular rainfall periods are followed by long spells of drought, which may last from three to
five years. The high temperatures result in a high rate f evaporation. More water is
evaporated than supplied by rainfall, thus the land remains dry and little water seeps
underground. This results in: scarcity of water food shortages poverty posing risk to life
danger to livestock. Figure 2.33 Water is a scarce commodity in desert areas. Women carry
water from long distances to their homes while men work in fields to grow crops suited to the
desert climate. All these factors result in a decline in the econe activity of the people. The
peasants and farmers of Thar prepare lands and grow local crops and green fodder animals,
which are reared in this dry region. The desert lets natural vegetation flourish after rain This
includes herbs, shrubs, grasses and pasturee which helps boost the Thar economy and
provides food, animal feed and fuel for the local population these resources rather than The
locals rely seeking aid from funding agencies. The rains produce more food increase the
opportunities by growing cereals. There is ample production a milk, butter and meat from
domestic animals and livestock during the rainy season. Problems in the Thar Desert are
varied, as listed above. The water shortage in terms of crop cultivation and for drinking
purposes is a chronic one. The sandy soils do not hold water for long periods, thus farmers
start preparing their land a sow seeds either before or soon after the rainfall, order to take
advantage of the moisture in the soil before it evaporates. Before the onset of rains, the
farmers make bunds, dig pits and use traditional methods of retaining the rainwater in sandy
soils for crop cultivation. The water thus is collected into man-made ditches and natural
hollows. The rainwater may also be stored in earthen jars, household utensils, overhead as
well as underground cemented tanks. Ita also stored on the roofs of "pucca" houses with
solid borders. The capacity of such water containers and reservoirs is not enougha meet the
drinking water needs of the population living in the area. But ample rainfalla during a
particular season may saturate the deeper layers of the soil, thus recharging the subsoil,
raising the underground level of sweet water and recharging wells dug in the area. What is
the Future? The establishment of tree plantations and the construction of a seasonal canal
from the Sukkur Barrage to bring flood water would increase the production of food crops
and help to bring prosperity to the area. More rainfall needs to be collected to provide
drinking water for humans and animals. and an increase in the grass and greenery in the
desert might also attract some tourists.Melting of snow during summer. Heavy monsoon
rainfall severe floods. Serious floods occurred in 1955, when an flood inundated 2420
villages; 400 people and 70,000 cattle lost their lives. The Ravi Syphon (a canal to release
water to the fields) was destroyed. The total damage caused by floods amounted to Rs 83
million. In 1973, floods inundated 3.6 million hectares, killed 1600 people and demolished
three million homes. Again in 1978, and in the 1980s and 1990s, serious floods caused
large-scale devastation. In the summer of 2010, record monsoon rains fell on Pakistan,
causing floods that were described as 'the worst in 80 years. According to government
figures, approximately 2000 people died, and nearly 2 million people were affected by losing
their homes, their crops, their livestock or their livelihoods. E N S S 0 Figure 2.34 Karachi
from the sea; proximity to the sea helos to cool the city in the summer months The moderate
climate was one of the important factors in the development of Gwadar port, as it would
make operational throughout the year for trade activities. Due to the mild climate of the
Sindh coast, economica activities can be carried on throughout the year. Farming is possible
almost all year, depending on the availability of water from irrigation channels. The seaports
are open all year round to carry out international trade. Road and rail transport links to inland
areas are never closed for business and economic activities. flights are rarely cancelleda
because of bad weather. All types of industries a ranging from cottage and small-scale to
large-scale manufacturing are operational in all seasons. However, during summer months,
tropical cyclones sometimes cause coastal flooding in low-lying areas, damaging
infrastructure, homes and farmland in the Indus Delta. Fishing is nearly impossible in rough
seas, thus fishing communities suffer economic losses due to tropical cyclones. River Floods
Rivers attract human settlement and economic development. Water is a vital resource to
people for drinking, washing, industrial processes, leisure, agriculture and transport.
However, excessive water in the rivers may cause floods. The Indus and its tributaries swell,
and almost every year overflow their banks. The flooding in most years is not serious.
However, every 7-8 years there are Cutting of trees on the foothills increases surface run-off
Failure to strengthen heighten embankments alongside rivers Dam failure to store extra
water due to less capacity FLOODS Figure 2.35 Causes of floods are mainly natural, but
floods may be made worse by human activities. What Can be Done to Reduce the Flood
Risk? Preventative and curative measures: Planting trees on foothills to check the flow of
running water. Enlarging the river channel so that it can hold more water. Building
embankments on either side of the channel to prevent the spread of floodwater.signs as
quickly possible. Repair of the roads and railway tracks should be done on emergency basis.
Figure 2.36 The effects of flooding on different people Effects Building extra channels to take
floodwater away from towns. Building reservoirs on the river to store water and control peak
discharge Preventing building in areas where flooding is most likely. Publicising flood
warnings through radio. television, newspapers and the interneta Evacuation of flooded
areas and providing necessary facilities for rehabilitation. Group Farmers Precautions During
the Monsoon season livestock and precious belongings . The farmers are not able to use the
land until the water has drained away. could be moved to The load of the rivers higher
places. will improve the fertility of the land. Local Residents . Destruction of crops. . Loss of
food supplies. The houses will be cut off from shops and services. . Mud houses and huts
could be severely damaged. Spread of water borne diseases. Transport Authorities be
damaged. The old routes would introduce diversion be difficult to follow if signs and warning
they are damaged by floodwater. The roads and the railway tracks could Local residents
should be moved to higher areas along with their precious belongings. Alternative
arrangements for the basich necessities of life. The transport authorities could prepare a
plan to Benefits of Floods Although flooding can be devastating to an unprepared
community, it is a natural event wi purpose. Floods return nutrients to the land and contribute
to the health of wetlands as in the Indus delta Wetlands allow floods to spread over a large
ares and cause little or no damage. Floods distribute rich sediment and refresh ste Floods
spread a layer of alluvium, which increase the fertility of the land. A flooded field can be usea
for rice cultivation. Over the centuries farmers in the Indus Plains have made a careful
selection of the most appropriate rice varieties to enable them to face the seasonal floods.
Allowing rivers and streams to overflow their banks naturally can prevent more serious
flooding downstream. The relatively high level of fish production in the Arabian Sea is
attributed to the nutrient-rich deltal of the Indus river system. The reproduction, breeding and
multiplication of inland freshwater fish and prawn species is finely tuned and adjusted to the
monsoon flooding. Floods also recharge ground water supplies. and Safec wind hail grov In
du So Pla Figure 2.37 Flooded fields in Multan, August 2010 of co st lo Tr th ΙΠ ar ar Figure
2.38 The River Indus in flood Storms Thunderstorms are common in northern and north
western Pakistan. In the summer (April to June) and the post-monsoon season (Sept-Oct),
the atmospheric pressure falls and convectional currents cause sporadicam and localised
rainfall in the extreme north and the Safed Koh Mountains. This is accompanied by strong
winds from 60-80 km per hour. Stormy rainfall and hail also occur as a result of these winds,
which cause the destruction of apples, pears and other crops grown there. Seven killed,
hundreds missing, crops ruined Cyclone ravages lower Sindha 200 dead; 6,000 missing
Delay in relief adds 0 Victin sufferings 200 missing as cyclone hits Sindha coastal areas
THATTA. May ondent Tropica played havoc Tharta, Badin and Tharparkar tricts along the I
areas Figure 2.39 In the summer season, southern plains and north-- western parts of
Balochistan, due to low pressure, dust storms and strong winds are also experienced.
Sometimes, such dust storms also hit the upper Indus Plain and, like floods, damage crops
and orchards. When a windstorm is of high intensity, the roofs of the houses are badly
affected. Electricity and the communications system are also disrupted. However,. storms
are less frequent than floods and usually localised. Tropical cyclones from the Arabian Sea
can also affect the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. In May 1999, a tropical cyclone
'2A' hit the coastala areas of Sindh, causing widespread damage to people and property,
The destruction caused by storms increases if relief teams are delayed or do not arrive.
There is a serious need for all the coastal areas to have proper arrangements including
flood-monitoring cells, proper warning systems and relief teams to handle such calamities.
Drought in Pakistan Drought is a hazard of nature and one that can present very big threat to
those who live off the land. Lack of rainfall results in severe water shortages, which can
destroy crops. In the world's poor countries drought brings famine, disease and death on a
massive scale. Causes of Drought in Pakistan Natural Factors that can lead to drought in
Pakistan are: Unreliability of monsoon winds may lead to seasonal drought in Punjab and
Sindh. Hot, dry winds can reduce the moisture content of sandy soil by lowering the level of
humidity in the air. Global climate is constantly changing, leading to changes in Pakistan's
climate. Human Factors that may lead to drought conditions in Pakistan are: Deforestation
on the foothills of mountains increases soil erosion and reduces rainfall. • Mismanagement of
water resources through seepage of unlined canals etc. The disputed and unfair distribution
of water between the provinces may lead to a drought situation in the province which is
deprived of its fair share water. Overgrazing of land leads to soil erosion and reduces soil
fertility. Global warming leads to climate change. Figure 2.40 Causes of Drought in Pakistan
Types of Drought There are four different ways of categorising drought: Permanent drought
exists when crop cultivation not possible without irrigation, e.g. Thal, Cholistan, Chagai
(Western Balochistan).Effects of drought on the physical environment Desertification (The
process of turning the land into a desert) Exposed soil leading to soil erosion, dust storms,
extension of desert areas. rise in temperature, loss of vegetation.a and extinction of species
Drying up of rivers, lakes and streams Harm to fisheries and other aquatic life, growth of
algae in shallow water bodies, unsafe drinking water Drop in water table Less water
availabie to plants anda humans from ground water sources Effects of drought on the human
environment Seasonal drought occurs in areas with well-define rainy and dry seasons. e.g.
Potwar Plateau. southern Punjab. Invisible drought is the result of a water deficienc that
reduces crop yields but is not severe enought destroy them. Unpredictable drought is the
result of abnormallya low rainfall and occurs in areas which have humid climates. How the
2000-01 Drought Affected Pakistan In Pakistan, permanent and seasonal droughts affece
the life and economy of the desert areas of Sindh and Balochistan to a great extent. In 2001
the 26 districte Balochistan suffered from severe famine as a result of drought. Out of these
26 districts the famine situation in 22 districts had reached crisis point. Many people were
trapped in inaccessible areas. The lives of some 20,000 families and more than a million
cattle were severely affected.. Population Widespread famine leading to starvation Migration
from drought affected areas Malnutrition, health problems, starvation Break-up of rural social
set-upa Loss of lives Nomadic lifestyle Economy Crop failure Death of livestock Shortage of
raw material for industries Reduced exports Increased imports Devastation of the
economyAFGHANISTAN Flaure 2.43 A drought-affected area in Balochistan where the
livestock died because no rain fell for three years. CHINA Some of the areas most seriously
affected by drought are the Pakistani provinces of Balochistan and Sindh. Pakistani officials
have reported the following facts about the drought: Over million people have been affected,
including thousands who are now refugees. Hundreds of people have already died of thirst
and starvation. About 30 million livestock have been affected, including over 2 million that
have already died. Most areas have had no rain for three to eight years. No significant
amount of rain is expected. Drought Severe Moderate Figure 2.44 The areas that were
severely or moderately aftected by drought in Pakistan in May 2000. The south desert and
western Balochistan were the affecteda areas 22 animals die in six weeks: Drought
endangers rare species in KNP An unusually long dry spell is taking its toll on the rare and
endangered wildlife species in the Kirthar National Park where over 22 animals have died
due to scarcity of water in the last six weeks. Sindh Wildlife Department has urged the
nature lovers and philanthropists to come forward and help the department in installing at
least 10 tube wells in the park so that the rare wildlife spccies could survive the drought
conditions. Figure 2.45 Figure 2.46 Women have to travel long distances to get water in
drought-stricken regions of Cholistan. Figure 2.47 Drought has severely affected the use of
land in desert areas. The photograph shows a dried-up well in the Thar Desert with no
human settlement around. Farming and other human activities are not possible in a region
so deficient in moisture.Drought Management Drought can be managed in three ways: 1)
Water-storage schemes Water can be stored in water-storage schemes such ash the
reservoirs of dams and traditional water tanks for irrigating crops and forest areas. This
helps to limit the losses caused by seasonal drought in the affected areas. The areas that
only receive monsoon rainfall in heavy showers during July and August can utilise that extra
water throughout the year by a perennial canal system. More such projects are required to
meet the water demands of the growing population. 2) The use of new technology such as:
a) the use of sea water through a desalination process (the removal of salt) b) the
conversion of waste water into clean watera through filtration and chemical treatment c)
planting drought-resistant crop varieties w consume less water. The lining of canals to avoid
wastage and uneconomical use. of existing water resources. In Pakistan, large amounts of
canal water are wasted to seepage from unlined a canals causing waterlogs and salinity.
These waterlogged areas, which ha stagnant water and patches of salt on the surface,
cannot be used for cultivation. Such problems she be addressed promptly by taking the
preventive a curative measures discussed in Unit 3. 3) Planning and management of water
resource Furthermore, the government should ensure tha priority is given to the allocation of
water resoue the basic needs of the people and of the economva for agricultural and
industrial uses. Drought Management Water storage schemes Use of newa technology
Planning and management of water resources Reservoirs of dams, tanks Irrigation canals to
grow crops Figure 2.48 Desalination of sea water Reclaiming waste water and turning into
clean water Using drought resistant varieties of crops Conservation of water to avoid
shortage Setting priorities in allocation water for different uses Afforestation (Planting of
trees) Drought is a natural hazard and it may be enhanced by human activities. It cannot be
fully prevented but its intens and frequency can be reduced by certain measures.