Question

Which of the following factors affect the climatic conditions in Maharashtra?

(a) Geographical location and latitudinal extension

(b) Monsoon wind

(c) Physiography

(d) Weather condition in the summer season

1. (a) and (b)
2. (b) and (c)
3. (a), (b) and (c)
4. All the above

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : (a), (b) and (c)

The correct answer is (a), (b) and (c).

• Factors affecting climatic conditions:
  • ​Latitude: 
    • The places located at higher latitudes lie far from the equator and receive less sunlight and places that are situated towards the equator receive more sunlight and are hotter than the places located at higher latitudes.
    • Maharashtra: extends from 15⁰.8' N to 22⁰.1' N. Maharashtra experiences a tropical monsoon type of climate. Hence, statement (a) is correct.
  • Elevation: 
    • In a place, at a higher region or at a high altitude the atmosphere experiences less pressure.
    • As the gas residing in the atmosphere rises, it experiences feeling less pressure, hence causing it to expand.
  • Ocean Currents:
    • Ocean currents are able to transfer heat energy from land to sea or vice versa thus affecting the temperature of the region.
  • Topography:
    • Topography refers to the shape of the land. Latitudes and elevation ranges are the key factors that lead to fluctuation in surface temperatures hence leading to climate change.
    • Maharashtra: The most important factor which influences the climate is the towering presence of the Western Ghats which block the monsoon-bearing winds coming from the Arabian Sea and cause rainfall in the Western part and the Marathwada and Vidarbha region experiences low rainfall as it becomes a rainshadow region. Hence, statement (b) is correct.
  • Vegetation:
    • The vegetation mainly comprises trees in the region.
    • Due to the release of water vapor during photosynthesis into the air, it alters the surface energy fluxes and leads to potential cloud formation.
  • Prevailing winds:
    • Winds distribute and spread particular air masses.
    • The direction of the wind helps to determine the climate of a region.
    • The wind coming from the humid region brings cool air while that from the dry region would bring hot air.
    • Maharashtra: monsoon-bearing winds come from the Arabian Sea and cause rainfall. Hence, statement (b) is correct.
• ​The weather condition in the summer season is the result of the above factors which affect the climatic conditions.
• The weather reflects the short-term conditions of the atmosphere while the climate is the average daily weather for an extended period of time at a certain location. Weather can change from minute to minute, hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. Climate is the average of weather over time and space. Hence, statement (d) is incorrect.