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2.1 Introduction to Climatic Zones Pak studies

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25 views3 pages

2.1 Introduction to Climatic Zones Pak studies

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Syeda Fatima
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Chapter 2: Climate (Notes)

Introduction to the Climatic Zones of Pakistan


Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions (temperature, rainfall, humidity and pressure) pf any
place for a short period pf time. It is often localized.

Climate is a generalization of the day to day weather conditions over a long period of time, usually thirty
years.

Pakistan: The Seasons


Pakistan has four seasons:

1. Winter (mid-December to March)


2. Early Summer (April to June)
3. Late Summer or Monsoon (July to September)
4. Post Monsoon (October to mid-December)

Climatic Elements
There are four main climatic elements: temperature, pressure, rainfall and winds.

Climatic zones of Pakistan


The diversity of Pakistan’s terrain has led to a variety of climates in the country. The climatic divisions of
Pakistan are:

A. Highland Climate (in the regions of the Northern, north-western and western mountains)
B. Lowland Climate (semi-arid) (region of the Upper and Lower Indus Plain)
C. Coastal Climate (region of the Makran Coast, Sindh Coast and Indus Delta)
D. Arid Climate (region of the Thar and Kharan desert)

The climatic conditions within each zone is not


exactly uniform. There are great variations in
rainfall, temperature, humidity etc. For example,
the northern mountains and western mountains
are in the same climatic zone but the northern
mountains receive much more rainfall than the
western mountains.
A. Highland Zone
Location: The region includes northern, north-western and western highlands.

Temperature: The winters are long cold and snowy. The summers are short and mild. Temperature
varies from north to west depending on the altitude. Summers are short, mild and wet in the Northern
Mountains, but dry and warm in the western Mountains.

Rainfall: In the mountainous areas, rainfall is associated/linked with altitude. Rainfall in the Northern
Mountains is the highest in this climatic zone. The western mountains experience less rainfall. South of
the Waziristan hills, rainfall occurs mainly in the winters.

Lifestyle and Economic conditions: In the northern areas, the temperature falls below freezing point.
The growth of trees is slow, grass is buried under snow. Farming is not possible during winter. Most
people are involved in indoor activities like carpet weaving, embroidery work, pottery etc.

Transhumance is practiced. Most of the Pathan tribes live as nomadic herdsmen. In the extreme north,
many areas are not accessible due to landslides and heavy snowfall blocks transport. Job opportunities
are limited.

As we move south, temperature increases in both the summer and winter, In the western mountain
ranges of Balochistan, water supply is limited and discourages settlements. Crop cultivation is also
difficult. However, apples, mangoes, apricots and grapes are grown.

B. Lowland Zone (semi-arid to arid)


Location: includes the whole of the Indus Plain (except the coastal areas)

Temperature: Extreme climate with hot summers and cool winter. In the daytime, summers are
extremely hot. Winters are cool and mild.

Rainfall: Summer monsoon rainfall. Amount of rainfall differs from north to south. The foothills of
northern mountains and the Potwar Plain are wetter than the Indus Plain. Thunderstorms are common
in the north and north-west of the Indus Plain. The Lower Indus Plain receives much less rainfall and has
spells of very high temperature.

Lifestyle and economic conditions: Economically, the Punjab Plain is the most productive region of
Pakistan. There is a well-developed canal irrigation system which encourages agricultural activities.
Punjab is the most densely populated province.

C. Coastal Zone
Location: southern coastal strip comprising of the Indus Delta, Karachi and the whole of the Makran
Coast.

Temperature: Climate is dominated by sea breezes. The maritime influence keeps the daily range of
temperatures low. May, June and October are the hottest months.

Humidity: Humidity level is moderately high, exceeding more than 50% in April to September.
Rainfall: rainfall is scanty throughout the year. The coastal area in Sindh experiences most of its rainfall
during the monsoon season. On the Makran coast, rain falls in winters.

Lifestyle and economic conditions: Karachi, Thatta and Badin are important centres in the Sindh Coast.
Due to the mild climate of the Sindh coast, economic activities can be carried out throughout the year.
Farming is possible depending on the availability of water. Sea ports are open throughout the year. Road
and rail transport are extensive. All types of industries ranging from cottage industries to large-scale
manufacturing industries are operational. During summer months, tropical cyclones cause coastal
flooding.

D. Arid Zones
Location: South-western Balochistan (Kharan desert) and the south-eastern desert (Thar desert)

Temperature: Hot dusty winds prevail from mid-May to mid-September. Cool-mild winters and hot
summers. Summers are extremely hot during the daytime.

Rainfall: Low annual rainfall. Most of the scanty rainfall in south-western Balochistan takes place in the
winters. In the Thar desert, monsoons bring little rainfall in the summers.

Lifestyle and economic conditions: The region is not ideal for habitation or cultivation. Majority of the
people are nomadic and they move with their animals in search of food and water.

In the Kharan desert, a unique underground system of irrigation called Karez is practiced. Orchads and
agricultural fields are watered through this system and are sheltered by date palms.

In the Thar desert, large areas have been reclaimed for farming with the help of canal irrigation. In such
areas, rice, wheat and cotton are cultivated. The remaining areas of the Thar desert are still barren.

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