Question

There are vast climatic conditions in India due to____.
a)Nearby seas and high mountains
b)The existence of perennial rivers
c)The deserts and plains
d)Vast area and latitudinal differences

Answer 1

Hint: Climate of an area refers to its average weather over 30 years. India has varied climatic conditions. It ranges from tropical climate in the south to alpine climate in the Himalayas .

Complete answer: India has tropical wet climate in areas like the Western Ghats, arid and semi arid climate in regions like Rajastha, subtropical humid climate in areas like north east of the country and montane climate in hill states near the Himalayas.
Let us look at the options given to us-
Option A- Nearby seas and high mountains influences the local climate but is not a reason for vast climatic condition. Areas near the sea have equitable climate. Places on the mountains are colder due to height.
Option B- Existence of perennial rivers does not influence the climate to a significant extent. Perennial rivers in India are usually the Himalayas rivers.
Option C- Deserts in India are found in the western part of the country in the state of Rajasthan. Cold deserts are found in Ladakh. Plains are found in the basin of river Ganga. Brahmaputra etc. However these physiographic features only affect the local climate.
Option D- Vast area and Latitudinal difference is the correct answer. India has a latitudinal extent of 6° 44′ and 35° 30′ north latitude. Latitudes influence the amount of sunshine a place receives and determines its climate. The higher latitudes receive lesser sunshine and hence have cooler climates. On the other hand latitudes near the equator have more tropical climates. Vastness is the reason different areas have different climates. The area interior of the continent experiences extreme temperature whereas areas on the coast have low range of temperature.

Therefore option (D) is the correct answer.

Note: The tropic of cancer passes through the middle of the country and that is why most areas have a majorly tropical climate. India’s meteorological department follows the international standard of four seasons with some local adjustments and that includes winter (January and February), summer (March, April and May), monsoon (rainy) season (June to September), and a post-monsoon period (October to December).