Give geographical reasons. (Any Two) 1) Distribution of precipitation is uneven in India. 2) There is no major change in annual range of temperature of Chennai. 3) Temperature decreases as one goes from north to south in Brazil. 4) Area under dense rainforest is more in Brazil.
Give geographical reasons. (Any Two) 1) Distribution of precipitation is uneven in India. 2) There is no major change in annual range of temperature of Chennai. 3) Temperature decreases as one goes from north to south in Brazil. 4) Area under dense rainforest is more in Brazil.
1. Distribution of precipitation is uneven in India
India’s precipitation distribution is influenced by several geographical factors:
a. Monsoon Winds:
India’s climate is primarily influenced by the monsoon winds, which are seasonal and occur due to the differential heating of land and water. The Southwest Monsoon, which occurs between June and September, brings heavy rainfall to the west coast, northeastern regions, and the foothills of the Himalayas. However, some regions like the Thar Desert in Rajasthan receive very little rainfall due to their location on the leeward side of the Western Ghats, which blocks the rain-bearing winds.
b. Topographical Influences:
The presence of mountain ranges like the Western Ghats and the Himalayas significantly affects rainfall distribution. The Western Ghats intercept the monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea, causing heavy rainfall on the windward side and creating a rain shadow region on the leeward side. Similarly, the Himalayan range blocks the cold winds from Central Asia, helping the northern plains to receive sufficient rainfall.
2. There is no major change in annual range of temperature of Chennai
Chennai experiences a relatively stable annual temperature range due to the following reasons:
a. Coastal Location:
Chennai is situated along the southeastern coast of India adjoining the Bay of Bengal. The proximity to the sea moderates the city’s temperature throughout the year. The sea surface temperature does not vary widely, leading to mild variations in the land temperature. This phenomenon is known as the maritime or moderating influence of the sea.
b. Tropical Climate:
Chennai falls within the tropical climate zone, characterized by consistent heat and a lack of significant temperature differences between seasons. The tropical climate ensures that even the “winter” months experience warm temperatures, which levels out any drastic temperature fluctuations through the year. This is further enhanced by the seasonal northeast monsoon experienced from October to December, which brings rainfall and moderated temperatures.
3. Temperature decreases as one goes from north to south in Brazil
The range of temperature in Brazil varies due to the following factors:
a. Latitude:
Brazil spans a wide range of latitudes, starting from the Equator and extending to the tropic of Capricorn. The northern part of Brazil, being closer to the equator, experiences higher average temperatures due to more direct solar radiation. As one moves southward, the distance from the equator increases, leading to a decrease in temperature since solar radiation is less direct.
b. Altitude and Oceanic Influence:
In addition to latitude, altitude and proximity to large water bodies (such as the Atlantic Ocean) also play significant roles. The southern parts of Brazil have higher altitudes and are more influenced by the temperate zones, leading to cooler temperatures compared to the tropical regions in the north. The influence of ocean currents and winds also contribute to the variations in temperature.
4. Area under dense rainforest is more in Brazil
The reasons behind Brazil’s vast expanse of dense rainforests include:
a. Amazon Basin:
Brazil is home to the Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest in the world. The Amazon Basin provides ideal conditions for rainforest growth, including high humidity, abundant rainfall, and consistent temperatures, which promote dense and diverse forest cover.
b. Climate:
The climate in the Amazon region is predominantly equatorial, receiving consistent sunlight and rainfall throughout the year. This environment fosters lush vegetation growth and a complex ecosystem, sustaining one of the most diverse biological habitats in the world.
These factors combined ensure that Brazil hosts extensive areas of dense rainforest, supporting an incredible variety of species and ecological processes.