Correct Option
The correct option is
1 and 3 only
.Explanation
The climate of India is described as a monsoon type climate. It is influenced by various geographical and atmospheric factors, including latitude (Tropic of Cancer), physiography (Himalayas), and pressure systems resulting from the differential heating of land and water.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country, dividing it into the tropical zone (south) and the subtropical zone (north). The region south of the Tropic of Cancer is closer to the equator and is bordered by seas on three sides. Consequently, it experiences a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures throughout the year and small daily and annual ranges of temperature.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect. The Himalayas act as a lofty climatic divide. Instead of facilitating the entry of cold winds, they obstruct the cold winds blowing from Central Asia and the Arctic Circle. This barrier prevents these winds from entering the Indian subcontinent, keeping the region significantly warmer than other areas located at the same latitude.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The differential heating and cooling of land and water is a primary mechanism driving the monsoon. In summer, the landmass of India heats up faster than the surrounding seas, creating a low-pressure zone over the interior and high pressure over the oceans. This pressure gradient causes moisture-laden winds to blow from the sea to the land. The reversal of these conditions in winter leads to the reversal of wind direction.
Key Takeaway: The Himalayas act as an effective barrier protecting India from cold Central Asian winds, while the Tropic of Cancer and the differential heating of land and sea are fundamental drivers of India's tropical monsoon climate.