The distance from the sea, or continentality, significantly affects the climate of different regions. Coastal areas typically experience maritime climates with milder temperatures and higher humidity, while inland areas tend to have more extreme temperatures and lower humidity due to the lack of the moderating influence of large water bodies.
Impact of Distance from the Sea on India’s Climate
India’s diverse geography includes both extensive coastlines and vast inland areas. This diversity leads to significant climatic variations.
1. Coastal Regions
- Western Coastal Plains: The western coast of India, including cities like Mumbai, Goa, and Kochi, experiences a maritime climate influenced by the Arabian Sea.
- Example: Mumbai, located on the western coast, has a maritime climate characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, with summer temperatures rarely exceeding 35°C and winter temperatures seldom falling below 20°C. The city also experiences high humidity and heavy monsoon rains from June to September.
- Eastern Coastal Plains: The eastern coast, including cities like Chennai and Visakhapatnam, is influenced by the Bay of Bengal.
- Example: Chennai experiences a tropical wet and dry climate with hot and humid conditions year-round. The proximity to the Bay of Bengal ensures a steady flow of moisture, contributing to significant rainfall during the Northeast Monsoon (October to December).
2. Inland Regions
- Northern Plains: Inland areas, such as the northern plains, experience a more continental climate with greater temperature extremes.
- Example: Delhi, situated away from the coast, experiences very hot summers with temperatures exceeding 40°C and cold winters with temperatures dropping to around 5°C. The absence of a large water body nearby leads to greater temperature variability and lower humidity.
- Central Plateau: Regions like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh also show continental characteristics.
- Example: Bhopal, located in central India, experiences hot summers and cooler winters compared to coastal cities, with more significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.
Comparative Analysis with Other Regions Worldwide
1. Coastal Regions
- India vs. Japan: Both India and Japan have extensive coastlines, leading to maritime influences on their climates.
- Example: Tokyo, like Mumbai, experiences moderate temperatures due to its coastal location. Both cities have humid summers and relatively mild winters, although Tokyo can experience more pronounced seasonal changes due to its higher latitude.
- India vs. United Kingdom: The UK’s coastal cities, such as London, experience a maritime climate with mild temperatures and relatively high humidity year-round.
- Example: London’s maritime climate, moderated by the North Atlantic Ocean, results in mild winters and cool summers, similar to the climate experienced in Mumbai, although Mumbai is much warmer year-round due to its tropical latitude.
2. Inland Regions
- India vs. Russia: Inland regions in Russia, such as Moscow, experience extreme continental climates with very cold winters and warm summers.
- Example: Moscow has much colder winters compared to Delhi, with temperatures often falling below -10°C, and its summers are milder, rarely exceeding 30°C. Both cities experience greater temperature variability than coastal regions, but Moscow’s higher latitude results in more severe winters.
- India vs. United States: The central United States, such as Kansas, also experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
- Example: Kansas City’s climate is characterized by hot summers and cold winters, similar to Delhi’s climate. However, Kansas City can experience even more extreme temperature variations, with summer temperatures exceeding 35°C and winter temperatures dropping below -10°C.
Conclusion
The distance from the sea plays a crucial role in shaping the climate of regions within India. Coastal areas benefit from the moderating influence of the ocean, leading to milder temperatures and higher humidity, whereas inland regions experience more extreme temperature variations and lower humidity. This principle is consistent globally, with coastal cities experiencing maritime climates and inland areas exhibiting continental characteristics. Comparing India’s coastal and inland climates with similar regions worldwide highlights the universal impact of proximity to large water bodies on climate.
