What are the factors affecting climate of Karnataka?(12.5 Marks)(GS2)
LATITUDE
Karnataka lies to south of Tropic of Cancer and hence is part of Tropical zone
The zone is nearer to the equator and therefore experiences high temperatures throughout the year with a small daily and annual range
WESTERN GHATS
Western ghats act as barrier to monsoon winds that cause heavy rainfall in karavalli and Malnad
Western ghats also act as rain shadow area of Maidan , that makes it drought prone area
DISTRIBUTION OF LAND AND WATER
Water heats up and cools down quickly as compared to land . This differential heating creates different air pressure zones
Karnataka is bounded by Arabian sea in west
The sea exerts a moderate influence on climate.
As the distance from the sea increases, its moderating influence decreases and such regions have extreme weather conditions. This condition is known as continentality i.e, very hot summers and very cold winters.
The difference can be seen in the mean temperature of Karavalli and Maidan
ALTITUDE
The places in the mountains are cooler than the places on the plains because with the increase in height temperature decreases
Temperature differences is evident in peaks of Malnad and plain areas of maidan
RELIEF
The physiography or relief also affects the temperature, air pressure, direction and speed of the wind and, the amount and distribution of rainfall
TEMPERATURE
Karnataka experiences a wide range of temperatures
Coastal areas have a maritime influence, resulting in milder temperature variations, while the interior regions, especially in the Deccan Plateau, witness more extreme temperature fluctuations
Summers are typically hot, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in some areas, while winters are cooler, with temperatures dropping to around 10-15°C.
CYCLONES
The coastal areas of Karnataka are susceptible to tropical cyclones originating in the Bay of Bengal
Cyclones bring heavy rainfall and strong winds, impacting the climate, especially during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods
VEGETATION AND BIODIVERSITY
The diverse vegetation, including evergreen forests in the Western Ghats and deciduous forests in the Deccan Plateau, influences local climates
Forests contribute to moisture retention, affecting humidity levels and precipitation.
URBANIZATION AND LAND USE CHANGES
Urbanization and changes in land use patterns can contribute to the urban heat island effect, leading to localized temperature increases in urban areas. Deforestation and changes in land cover also impact microclimates.
