Special Topic – UPSC Geography Synopsis
UPSC Prelims Geography Revision | Page 7
Climate Zones, Grasslands, Deserts and Climate Change
Climate zones, grasslands and deserts are important components of physical geography. Climate change has become one of the greatest global challenges.
Climate
Climate refers to the long-term pattern of temperature, rainfall, humidity and winds in a region.
Major Factors Affecting Climate
- Latitude
- Altitude
- Distance from the sea
- Ocean currents
- Pressure and wind systems
Climate Zones of the World
- Tropical Zone
- Temperate Zone
- Polar Zone
Tropical Zone
This region lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. It experiences high temperatures throughout the year.
Temperate Zone
The temperate zone experiences moderate climate conditions.
Polar Zone
These regions remain extremely cold throughout the year.
Grasslands
Grasslands are regions dominated by grasses with very few trees. They are important for livestock and biodiversity.
Types of Grasslands
- Tropical Grasslands
- Temperate Grasslands
Tropical Grasslands
These are also called Savannas. They are found in Africa and parts of South America.
Temperate Grasslands
Examples include Prairies, Pampas and Steppes. These regions are suitable for wheat cultivation.
Deserts
Deserts are dry regions receiving very low rainfall. Extreme temperatures are common in desert regions.
Major Hot Deserts
- Sahara Desert
- Thar Desert
- Arabian Desert
Cold Deserts
- Gobi Desert
- Ladakh Cold Desert
The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world.
Adaptation in Desert Regions
- Cactus stores water
- Animals remain inactive during daytime
- Sparse vegetation
Desert plants are adapted to conserve water.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term changes in global temperature and weather conditions.
Major Causes
- Industrial emissions
- Deforestation
- Burning fossil fuels
- Greenhouse gases
Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases.
Important Greenhouse Gases
- Carbon Dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous Oxide
Excess greenhouse gases increase global warming.
Effects of Climate Change
- Rising sea levels
- Melting glaciers
- Extreme weather events
- Loss of biodiversity
- Water scarcity
Climate change affects agriculture, health and ecosystems across the world.
Global Efforts to Control Climate Change
- Paris Climate Agreement
- Kyoto Protocol
- United Nations Climate Conferences
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature rise.
Renewable Energy and Climate Action
Renewable energy sources help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Examples
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
- Hydroelectric Power
- Biomass Energy
Clean energy is important for sustainable development.
Important UPSC Facts
- Sahara is the largest hot desert
- Savannas are tropical grasslands
- Prairies are temperate grasslands
- Greenhouse gases cause global warming
- Paris Agreement focuses on climate action
Quick Revision Box
- Tropical Zone → High temperatures
- Savannas → Tropical grasslands
- Sahara → Largest hot desert
- Greenhouse Effect → Trapping of heat
- Climate Change → Long-term weather change
- Renewable Energy → Clean energy source
Mind Map – Climate & Ecosystems
-
World Geography
- Climate Zones
- Grasslands
- Deserts
- Climate Change
- Global Warming
- Renewable Energy
Shaktimatha Learning
UPSC Geography Synopsis – English Version
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