Very Short Question and Answers - Climatic Controls

The six major controls of climate are latitude, altitude, pressure and wind systems, distance from the sea (continentality), ocean currents, and relief features.

The amount of solar energy received varies according to latitude, leading to a general decrease in air temperature from the equator towards the poles.

As one ascends in altitude, the atmosphere becomes less dense, and temperature decreases.

Hills are cooler during summers due to the decrease in temperature with increasing altitude.

Continentality refers to the phenomenon where areas far from the sea experience extreme weather conditions, such as very hot summers and very cold winters.

Ocean currents along with onshore winds affect the climate of coastal areas by warming or cooling them based on the temperature of the currents.

Most of the world's deserts are located in the western margins of continents in the subtropics due to high pressure and descending air which inhibits rainfall.

High mountains act as barriers for cold or hot winds and can cause precipitation if they lie in the path of rain-bearing winds.

The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of India, dividing it into tropical and subtropical climatic zones.

The climatic conditions in India are governed by pressure and surface winds, upper air circulation, and cyclonic disturbances.

The Coriolis force causes winds to deflect to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere, influencing weather patterns.

During winter, high-pressure areas north of the Himalayas cause cold dry winds to blow towards the low-pressure areas over the oceans, influencing the climate.

In summer, a low-pressure area develops over interior Asia and northwestern India, causing a reversal in the direction of winds.

The Southwest Monsoon winds are winds that blow from high-pressure areas over the southern Indian Ocean, crossing the equator and bringing moisture to India.

India might have been arid due to the presence of north-easterly winds, which originate from land and carry little moisture.

The Himalayas prevent cold winds from Central Asia from entering India, leading to milder winters in the subcontinent.

Due to its geographical position with half the country south of the Tropic of Cancer and the other half in the subtropical region, India exhibits both tropical and subtropical climate characteristics.

Relief features, such as mountains, can block winds, create rain shadows, and impact temperature, thus significantly influencing the local climate.

The altitude of a geographical area is determined by the distance above sea level, which can be influenced by natural formations such as mountains and valleys.

Warm ocean currents raise the temperature of coastal areas while cold currents lower it, significantly affecting the local climate.