Climatic Controls

The Himalaya changes rainfall distribution by obstructing winds. In exams understand Himalaya and monsoon together.

Towards poles Sun rays are more slanting. In exams remember the relation between latitude and solar angle.

Distance from sea and wind source together can decide moisture. In exams add both in moisture analysis.

Regional climatic differences arise from variation in geographical controls. In exams understand regional variation through control variation.

Sometimes controls influence in different directions. In exams write balanced conclusions in such questions.

A good answer includes cause effect and examples. In exams give a short example with each control.

Climatic controls form the background of regional climate. In exams write them as the causal basis of climate.

Maritime influence and ocean currents together can modify coastal climate. In exams identify both controls separately while writing coastal climate.

Mountains can lift moist air and increase rainfall. In exams always write the combined effect of monsoon and relief.

Climatic controls are causal factors and elements are measurable conditions. In exams keep the difference between control and element clear.

Latitude and altitude are controls while temperature and rainfall are elements. Keep the difference between cause and condition clear in exams.

Even at the same latitude altitude and maritime influence can change temperature. Always understand climate through combined controls.

Near the Equator the angle of sun rays is more direct. This gives more energy per unit area.

Temperature decreases with altitude so mountain places can be cool even in tropical latitudes. Study latitude and altitude together.

The sea heats and cools slowly. Therefore temperature remains more moderate in coastal areas.

In areas far from the sea maritime moderation is weak and temperature extremes may increase. This is continental influence.

Islands are surrounded by sea. The sea moderates temperature and reduces daily and annual range.

Moist wind strikes a mountain and gives rain on the windward side while the leeward side may remain dry. Wind direction is very important.

After rainfall on the windward side air loses moisture. Therefore the leeward side receives less rainfall.

Ladakh is high and lies under Himalayan rain-shadow influence. Therefore both coldness and dryness can occur there.