HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 05: Model Answer

Question: Describe the different types of climatic zones in Himachal Pradesh.      4 Marks

  Answer:       

Different Climatic Zones in Himachal Pradesh are the outcome of Temperature and Rainfall. These two attributes themselves are the outcome of latitude and altitude of Himachal Pradesh. On the Basis of Altitude Himachal Could be divided into – The Outer Himalayas (Shivaliks), the Lesser Himalayas and the Greater Himalayas and Trans-Himalayas (Northern zone). The Vegetation in Himachal Pradesh also reflects the climatic types of Himachal Pradesh.

CLIMATIC TYPES OF HIMACHAL PRADESH

1. Humid Sub-Tropical Climate – This climate is found in the Shivalik range consists of lower hills (600 m above sea level). . The climate here is hot and sub-humid tropical to warm temperate. The annual precipitation varies from 150-300 cm. It constitutes Hamirpur, Una, Bilaspur, the lower hilly areas of Kangra, and the lower parts of Mandi, Solan & Sirmaur districts. Major forest types are Sal, riverine Khair & Sisham, Chir Pine.

1. Wet Temperate zone – This type of climate is found in The lesser Himalayas are spotted by a gradual elevation towards the Dhauladhar and the Pir Panjal ranges. It constitutes some parts of Sirmaur, Solan, Shimla, kangra, Mandi and Chamba. The climate here is humid cool temperate. The annual precipitation varies between 100-150 cm. Natural vegetation is Ban, Kharsu and Moru Oak, Deodar, Blue Pine, Fir, Spruce, Chir Pine & Mixed Broad Leaved Forest.

1. Dry Temperate zone – There are many glaciers over the Zaskar and the Great Himalayan ranges. Here climate is alpine dry temperate which has snow cover of 6 months a year and depicts cold desert characteristics due to their location at the rain-shadow area of summer monsoon. The annual precipitation is nearly 50cm. The main species of dry alpine forests are juniper, artemesia, lonicera, Cotoneaster etc. Extensive alpine pastures are the characteristic feature of this forest type which supports large flocks of sheep and goats during summer months. Major forest types of Alpine region are High level Blue Pine, Fir, Spruce, Alder, Birch & Rhododendron Forest & Moist Alpine scrub.