World Climate and Affecting Factors

A particular type of vegetation grows in a particular climate. If we make a world tour we will notice different types of vegetation in different parts of the world. For example, the vegetation of the equatorial climate is different from the vegetation of the tropical monsoon climate. But the same type of vegetation is found throughout the tropical monsoon region. Although changes have occurred in the natural vegetation due to the change in climate, environmental deterioration and human activities, we can still see certain patterns of vegetation and wildlife zones protected by climate.

Factors affecting climate:

Many factors affect climate. Among them, three factors that affect climate are as follows:

Altitude

The height measured from sea level is called altitude. At low altitude there is thick mass of air which can absorb sufficient amount of sun heat, so it is hot at low altitude. However, when the altitude increases, the temperature also gradually decreases. Therefore, at high altitude there is very thin mass of air which cannot absorb sufficient amount of sun's heat, so it is cold at high altitude. The temperature decreases by 10C when the altitude increases by 160 m to 165m.

Latitude

It is one most important factor that affects the climate of a particular place. When the latitude increases, the distant from the sun also increases, so the temperature gradually decreases. The equator lies very near from the sun, so direct ray falls over there and it is very hot throughout the year. But poles lie far from the sun. So, slanting rays fall over there and it is very cold. So, it is cold winter is dominant throughout the year. No plants and animals can survive on poles particularly South Pole.

Distance From The Sea and Ocean

Summer: During summer, the earth lies near the sun, so the perpendicular sun rays fall over there. The water of sea or ocean gets heated, and cools down slowly in comparison to land. In comparison with water, land gets heated faster and cools down fast. As the distance from the sea or ocean increases, the temperature increases. During summer, due to direct fall of sun rays over the sea or ocean, the water is evaporated that causes highest rainfall in this season.

Winter: During winter, the earth lies a little bit far from the sun. So, slanting sun rays fall over the earth. As, we know that, water absorbs more sun heat than the land. So, when the distance from the sea or ocean increases, the temperature gradually decreases as the land cools down fast. Due to less slanting rays during winter, less rainfall takes place as less evaporation takes place. Due to which the days in winter are shorter than in summer and less rainfall takes place.

Mountain Range

When there is a mountain range in the path of humid air passing, the area behind the mountain range is dry, and the area ahead has monsoon climate. This is why the humid air from the Bay of Bengal can’t reach Tibet and is dry, whereas Nepal has monsoon climate.

Wind

Dry air travelling through an area makes the climate dry, and humid wind makes the area cooler.

Vegetation

Areas with many types of vegetation have humid air while areas with no vegetation become dry.

Soil

The color of soil also affects the climate in a way. The areas with black soil have warmer climate and areas with white soil have colder climate.

Tropical Monsoon Climate:

This kind of climate is found up to the altitude of 1200 m from the sea level. 30⁰C to 42⁰C temperature in summer and 15⁰C in winter. Average temperature is 1200 cm yearly.

Warm Temperate:

It is found 1200m to 2100m of Chure and Mahabharat range. Temperature is 15⁰C in summer and 5⁰C in winter. Rainfall is 250cm in southern belt and 100cm in northern.

Cold Temperate:

It is found from 2100m - 3350m. Temperature is around 10⁰C to 15⁰C in summer and falls to 0⁰C in winter. Rainfall is less than 50 cm.

Alpine Climate:

It is found from 3350m-5000m. Maximum temperature is around 10⁰C in summer but other time falls below the freezing point. Rainfall is about 30cm whole year.

Polar climate:

This temperature is found above 5000 m. Under this climate, temperature always remains below 0⁰C.Whole the year snowfalls.

Sub tropical forest:

It is found up to 1200m of chure range. Sufficient rainfall and temperature (thick, tall, strong, evergreen trees, Sal, Sisau, Khayar, Seemal, etc.)

Temperate deciduous forest:

This type of climate is found from 1200m-2100m. It lies at upper part of Chure to lower part of Mahabharat range. Due to frost, leaves of the trees fall during winter, mixed forest of deciduous and coniferous trees.

Temperate coniferous evergreen forest:

This type of climate is found from 2100m-3350m i.e. from upper to Mahabharat range to lower of Himalayan range. Soft needle shaped trees are found in this region. For example Champ, Salla, Deodar, Dhupi, Simal, etc.

Alpine vegetation:

It is found from 3550m - 5000m. In this region less temperature and less rainfall is found. Thus, here are no strong and tall trees.

Tundra vegetation:

This type of vegetation is found above 5000 m. Excessive snowfall and steep land covered with snow. Throughout the year, only mosses and lichens are found.