QUE. Describe the climate of Gujarat with reference to the factors affecting it.

The climate of Gujarat is affected by some local and some broad factors, such factors include geographical location, unique shape of Gujarat, topography, vegetation etc.

• Factors affecting the climate of Gujarat:

• Latitudinal Location: Since Gujarat is spread between 20 and 40 North latitudes, the Tropic of Cancer passes almost through its middle. It is surrounded by desert and semi-desert regions (Kutch, Banaskantha) with arid climatic conditions.

• Since a large part of Gujarat is in the tropics, the summer temperature remains high and the winter temperature does not go much lower,

• Distinctive shape: Gujarat is a region divided into three land units: Tal Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch. In the narrow part of Tal Gujarat, the marine influence is felt far inland, due to which these regions experience less heat in summer than other regions (Central or North Gujarat) and moderate cold (less extreme climate) and more rainfall in winter.

• Due to the greater width in the northern part of Gujarat, the sea effect does not reach far, so the climate is heterogeneous. In Kutch and Saurashtra, apart from the coastal region, the climate is heterogeneous in the interior parts.

• Topography: The mountain ranges, plains, etc. of Gujarat also affect the climate. The mountain ranges like Aravalli, Vindhya, Satpura of Gujarat bring more rain by stopping the humid winds. Therefore, dense forests are seen here.

• Between this hilly region and the coastal region lies the vast plain of Tal Gujarat, which is narrow in the south and wide in the north, and therefore experiences a continental climate in the north. The Gir hills in the central part of Saurashtra provide more rainfall.

• Vegetation: Due to the dense vegetation in the Gir forests and the forest areas from Sabarmati to Narmada, the heat remains low and the rainfall increases.

• Other Wider Factors: Since most of Gujarat is in the tropics, Gujarat also experiences a climate of hot summers and mild winters like the regions in its upper latitudes. In addition, the sun’s rays (direct or oblique) affect the changes in seasons like summer and winter.

• In addition, the effect of seasonal winds that change according to the season can be seen on the climate.

Thus, due to the above various factors, there is diversity in the climate of Gujarat.