Examine the factors which affect the climate of India.

Factors affecting the climate of India :

(i) Monsoon winds : India has a monsoon climate. It is controlled by monsoon winds. In summer, the monsoon winds blow from sea to land as S.W. monsoon. These on-shore winds give most of the rainfall to the country. In winter, the Monsoon winds blow from land to sea as N.E. Monsoon. These are dry winds.

(ii) Expanse of the country : India is a vast country. The northern part lies in the tropical region and experiences hot summers and cool winters. The southern part lies near the equator and has hot season throughout the year.

(iii) Location of the Himalayas : The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier. This mountain wall protects India from the cold winds of Central Asia in winter. The Himalayas check the on-shore S.W. Monsoons and force them to give rainfall.

(iv) The Indian Ocean : India lies at the head of the Indian Ocean. S.W. Monsoon originates from this ocean in summer and provides rainfall over most of the country. Cyclones also originate over this ocean.

(v) The Western Disturbances : The western disturbances (cyclones) originate from the Mediterranean Sea and enter India in winter. These provide rainfall in N.W. parts of India in winter.

(vi) Distance from the sea : The coastal areas experience maritime climate. These areas have equable climate. But the areas in the interior experience extreme or continental type of climate such as northwest part of India.

(vii) Relief of the land : Relief influences the distribution of temperature and rainfall in India. Mountainous areas have low temperature. The windward slopes such as Western Ghats receive heavy rainfall while the leeward slopes (Deccan Plateau) lie in the rain-shadow, and are dry.