Physical Geography 11/09/2024

Topics
Climate of India

India's climate varies from tropical in the south to temperate in the north, influenced by the
Himalayas and the Indian Ocean.

Monsoon season brings heavy rainfall to most of the country.

Drier conditions prevail in the northwest due to the rain shadow effect of the Western Ghats.
The Thar Desert experiences extreme arid conditions with very low rainfall.
The varying climate regions provide diverse ecosystems and landscapes across the country.

Climatic controls

Climatic controls refer to factors such as latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, ocean currents,
and prevailing winds that influence regional climate patterns.

Latitude plays a crucial role in determining the amount of solar energy received at a location.
Altitude affects temperature; higher altitudes generally have lower temperatures.
Proximity to the sea moderates temperature variations due to the heat capacity of water.
Ocean currents can transport heat to different regions, impacting temperature and
precipitation patterns.

Distribution of rainfall

Rainfall distribution refers to the pattern of where and how much rain falls in a specific area over
a period of time.

Factors affecting rainfall distribution include latitude, altitude, distance from large bodies of
water, and prevailing wind patterns.
Regions near the equator generally receive more rainfall due to its position under the
Intertropical Convergence Zone.
Rain shadows occur in mountain ranges, leading to dry areas on the leeward side with
decreased precipitation.
Monsoons bring seasonal shifts in rainfall, impacting regions like South and Southeast Asia
with heavy rains during specific months.

Factors affecting climate

Factors affecting climate include latitude, altitude, proximity to water bodies, ocean currents,
prevailing wind patterns, topography, and human activities.

Latitude influences temperature variation, with higher latitudes experiencing colder climates.
Altitude affects climate as temperature decreases with higher elevation.
Proximity to water moderates temperature, leading to milder climates near coastlines.
Ocean currents distribute heat, impacting regional climate patterns.

Monsoon

Monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rainfall, common in regions like South
Asia due to temperature differences between land and water.

Monsoons are characterized by a distinct wet and dry season.

The term 'monsoon' originates from Arabic, meaning 'season'.
Monsoons are vital for agriculture in many regions.
Monsoons can be influenced by global climate phenomena like El Niño.

Key Terms
Altitude

Altitude refers to the height above sea level, affecting climate, ecosystems, and atmospheric
conditions. It is crucial in understanding topography.

Higher altitudes have lower air pressure and cooler temperatures.

Altitude can impact human physiology due to lower oxygen levels at higher elevations.
Mountains typically have higher altitudes compared to low-lying areas.
Altitude is measured using instruments like altimeters or GPS devices.

Atmospheric pressure

Atmospheric pressure is the force exerted by the weight of air above a given point on Earth's
surface, measured in units such as millibars or inches of mercury.

Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is around 1013 millibars or 29.92 inches of
mercury.
Atmospheric pressure decreases with increasing altitude due to the thinner layers of air
above.
High pressure systems typically bring clear skies and stable weather conditions.
Low pressure systems are associated with clouds, precipitation, and often result in unsettled
weather.

Climatology
Climatology focuses on studying long-term weather patterns and conditions in specific regions,
analyzing factors such as temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric circulation.

Climatologists use various tools like climate models, satellites, and weather stations to
gather data and predict future climate trends.
The study of climatology helps us understand the impact of human activities on global
climate change.
Climatologists may specialize in different areas such as paleoclimatology, studying ancient
climates through geological records.
Climate data collected by climatologists is crucial for informing policies and strategies
related to environmental conservation and disaster preparedness.

Continentality

Continentality refers to the effect of distance from the ocean on climate, with inland areas
experiencing greater temperature variation between seasons.

It leads to extreme temperature differences in landlocked areas.

It influences the level of precipitation received in interior regions.
Continentality affects the formation of major climate and vegetation zones.
Coastal areas tend to have milder and more moderate climates.

Coriolis force

The Coriolis force is an apparent deflection of the path of an object moving on the surface of the
Earth due to the planet's rotation.

It affects large-scale movements like winds and ocean currents.

It causes objects in the Northern Hemisphere to deflect to the right and in the Southern
Hemisphere to deflect to the left.
The Coriolis force is strongest at the poles and weakest at the equator.
It is crucial in understanding global atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.

Cyclonic depressions

Cyclonic depressions are large-scale systems of low pressure marked by rotating winds that
spiral inwards, bringing unsettled weather conditions such as heavy rain and strong winds.

They form over oceans and can develop into tropical cyclones or hurricanes.
Their rotation direction is counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the
Southern Hemisphere.
Cyclonic depressions are important for redistributing heat energy in the atmosphere.
They play a significant role in the global climate system by influencing weather patterns and
atmospheric circulation.
Cyclonic disturbances

Cyclonic disturbances are large-scale systems characterized by low atmospheric pressure at the
center with a counterclockwise flow in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise flow in the
Southern Hemisphere.

They are associated with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and sometimes thunderstorms.
Tropical cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons are all different terms used for cyclonic
disturbances in various regions.
Cyclonic disturbances can cause significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life.
Meteorologists use satellite imagery and computer models to track and predict the path of
cyclonic disturbances.

Diurnal range of temperature

Diurnal range of temperature refers to the difference between the maximum and minimum
temperatures recorded in a 24-hour period.

Caused by variations in sunlight intensity throughout the day.

Affected by factors such as latitude, altitude, and cloud cover.
Influenced by local geography and land cover.
Impacts vegetation growth, animal behavior, and human activities.

Humidity

Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air, influencing weather patterns and
human comfort levels.

Relative humidity is the percentage of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum
amount it can hold at a specific temperature.
High humidity can make hot temperatures feel even hotter due to a decrease in the body's
ability to cool through evaporation.
Humidity can affect the likelihood of precipitation and the formation of clouds in the
atmosphere.
Measuring devices such as hygrometers are used to quantify humidity levels in the air.

Latitude

Latitude is the angular distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees ranging from
0° at the equator to 90° at the poles.

Latitude lines are also known as parallels, running east-west around the globe.
The North Pole is located at 90°N latitude while the South Pole is at 90°S latitude.
 The Tropic of Cancer is located at approximately 23.5°N latitude.
The Antarctic Circle is the region south of 66.5°S latitude.

Ocean currents

Ocean currents are continuous movements of ocean water that play a crucial role in regulating
global climates, distributing heat, and nutrients.

Two main types are surface currents driven by wind and deep ocean currents driven by
differences in water density.
Major ocean currents include the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio current.
Ocean currents also affect marine life distribution and can influence weather patterns.
Changes in ocean currents can impact coastal ecosystems and fisheries.

Precipitation

Precipitation refers to any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere and
reaches the ground.

Types of precipitation include rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

The process of precipitation is essential for replenishing water sources on Earth.
Factors influencing precipitation include air temperature, humidity, and air pressure.
Precipitation patterns are influenced by geographical features like mountains and bodies of
water.

Pressure and wind system

Pressure and wind systems are interconnected elements of the atmosphere with high-pressure
areas typically associated with descending air and fair weather, while low-pressure areas often
bring stormy conditions.

High-pressure areas have clockwise circulation in the Northern Hemisphere and

counterclockwise circulation in the Southern Hemisphere.
Wind flow from high to low pressure generates the Coriolis effect, causing deflection in the
direction of wind.
Cyclones and anticyclones are examples of low and high-pressure systems, respectively, that
influence weather patterns.
The trade winds are consistent easterly winds caused by the pressure gradient between the
equator and the subtropics.

Rain shadow area

Rain shadow area occurs when moisture-laden air rises over a mountain range, cools,
condenses, and releases precipitation on the windward side, creating a dry, sheltered region on
the leeward side.
 Leeward side experiences lower rainfall due to descending air becoming warmer and unable
to hold moisture.
Deserts often form in rain shadow areas, such as the Great Basin in the USA.
Rain shadow effects can vary based on mountain height and direction of prevailing winds.
Rain shadows impact local ecosystems and agriculture by creating arid conditions.

Relief features

Relief features refer to the variations in elevation on Earth's surface, including mountains, valleys,
plateaus, and plains.

Topographic maps represent relief features using contour lines.

Landforms are created by processes like erosion, weathering, and tectonic activity.
Relief features influence climate patterns and ecosystems.
Understanding relief features is essential for activities like urban planning and resource
management.

Subtropical Climate

Subtropical climates are characterized by warm temperatures, mild winters, and abundant
rainfall, often found between 20-35 degrees latitude.

These regions typically experience wet and dry seasons.

Vegetation in subtropical climates includes forests, grasslands, and shrublands.
Common examples of subtropical climates can be found in parts of the southern United
States, Australia, and China.
Hurricanes and typhoons can occur in subtropical regions due to warm ocean waters.

Temperature

Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles in a substance or

environment, influencing climate patterns and various ecosystems.

Temperature can affect the rate of chemical reactions in living organisms.

Temperature changes can impact sea levels through melting ice caps.
Temperature variations can lead to shifts in plant and animal distribution.
Temperature measurement units include Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin.

Tropical Climate

Tropical climate is characterized by high temperatures, abundant rainfall, and consistent warmth
year-round, supporting diverse ecosystems and lush vegetation.
 Tropical climates are typically found near the equator.
These regions experience only two seasons: wet and dry.
Tropical climate zones are home to more than half of the world's biodiversity.
In tropical climates, temperatures rarely drop below 64°F (18°C) even in the coldest months.

Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones are powerful storm systems characterized by low-pressure centers surrounded
by strong winds, usually forming over warm ocean waters.

Commonly known as hurricanes or typhoons depending on the region.

Classified based on maximum sustained wind speed.
Can cause devastating storm surges, heavy rainfall, and high winds.
Form in tropical regions but can travel into temperate zones.

Weather

Weather refers to the daily atmospheric conditions in a specific location, including temperature,
humidity, precipitation, wind speed, and cloud cover.

Weather is constantly changing and is influenced by factors such as air pressure, solar
radiation, and proximity to bodies of water.
Meteorologists use various tools like thermometers, barometers, and weather radars to
monitor and forecast weather patterns.
Different types of weather phenomena include thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes,
blizzards, and heatwaves.
Climate represents the long-term average of weather conditions in a particular region, while
weather pertains to short-term variations.