Climatic Controls

Latitude affects the amount of solar energy received. In exams connect latitude with temperature control.

Near the equator, the Sun’s rays are more direct for most of the year. The same solar energy is concentrated over a smaller area, producing higher temperatures. Oblique rays spread over a larger area and therefore provide less heating. Exam tip: associate low latitudes with direct rays and higher temperatures.

Towards the poles Sun rays are slanting so less heat is received. In exams connect slanting rays with lower temperature.

As altitude increases, the air becomes thinner and temperature generally decreases. Therefore, a higher place can be cooler than nearby plains even when both are at the same latitude. Option A is incorrect because plains are generally warmer than higher places. Exam tip: remember altitude, along with latitude, as a major control of temperature.

Shimla is at higher altitude so it can be cooler than Delhi. In exams connect height difference with temperature difference.

The sea moderates temperature so inland areas may have greater extremes. In exams separate maritime and continental effects.

Mumbai is a coastal city and the sea moderates temperature. In exams connect coastal location with equable climate.

Areas far from sea may have greater difference between summer and winter. In exams remember continentality as high range.

Winds can bring moisture or dryness from their source region. In exams write wind source in climate answers.

Pressure difference drives winds and winds carry moisture. In exams remember the pressure wind moisture relation.

Mountains lift winds and cause rainfall. In exams connect relief rainfall with windward slope.

Rising moist air cools and causes rain while the opposite side has less moisture. In exams remember windward and leeward difference.

Warm and cold currents affect coastal temperature. In exams treat ocean currents as coastal climatic controls.

Warm currents can keep coasts relatively warmer. In exams remember warm current with warming effect.

Cold currents can reduce coastal temperature. In exams connect cold current with cooling effect.

Latitude affects temperature so it is a control and temperature is a measured element. In exams separate controls and elements.

Distance from sea and mountain barriers can increase dryness. In exams think of combined controls together.

Less marine moisture reaches Rajasthan and relief affects rainfall. In exams write both location and relief.

Kerala receives rainfall from maritime moisture and monsoon winds. In exams add coast and monsoon for Kerala rainfall.

Ladakh is high and lies in a rain shadow type area. In exams remember both altitude and relief.