1.
Climatic Zones of Pakistan: Differences in Temperature and Rainfall
Northern Mountains: Cold winters with heavy snowfall; mild summers. Rainfall occurs mostly
during monsoon (July-September) and occasional winter precipitation.
Indus Plain: Hot summers (especially in southern plains) and mild winters. Rain mainly from
monsoons, with the north receiving more rain than the south.
Coastal Areas: Moderate temperatures due to the Arabian Sea influence, with humid
conditions; light rain mostly from monsoon.
Desert Areas (Thar Desert): Extremely hot summers, cool winters, and very low rainfall (mainly
erratic monsoon showers).
2. Climate Variation Within Climatic Zones & Factors Affecting Climate
Northern Mountains: Climate varies with altitude; high-altitude areas experience more extreme
cold and snowfall.
Indus Plain: Northern areas are cooler and get more rainfall; southern areas are hotter and
drier.
Deserts: Extreme temperatures; rainfall minimal and sporadic.
Coastal Regions: Temperatures moderate, with higher humidity.
Factors Affecting Climate:
Latitude, altitude, proximity to the sea, and prevailing winds.
Monsoon winds and western depressions play a major role in precipitation.
3. Winter Climate of the Northern Mountains
Conditions: Cold, snow-covered, harsh winters.
Living Difficulties: Limited access to resources, transportation issues, heating needs, and
potential isolation from communities.
4. Summer Climate of the Thar Desert
Conditions: Extremely hot with high temperatures and little rain.
Living Adaptations: People may build homes with thick walls for insulation, store water, adapt
clothing, and plan activities to avoid heat.
5. Types of Rain in Pakistan
(a) Rising Air and Rainfall:
Rising air cools and condenses to form clouds, which leads to precipitation.
(b) Types of Rainfall:
Monsoon: Occurs from July to September; warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean rises over the
land.
Depression: Common in winter; low-pressure systems cause air to rise and cool.
Convection: Happens in hot summers; intense ground heating causes rapid air rise and
afternoon showers.
(c) Timing and Amounts:
Monsoon: Summer; moderate rain, concentrated in certain areas.
Depression: Winter; less rainfall, mostly in the northern regions.
Convection: Late spring and summer; unpredictable, often isolated showers.
(d) Summer Rainfall and Agriculture:
Early Rain: Disrupts planting cycles.
Late Rain: Can harm crops nearing harvest.
Variability: Causes inconsistent crop yield, impacting food supply and economy.
(e) Solutions to Rainfall Issues:
Improved water storage (dams/reservoirs), drought-resistant crops, and irrigation systems.
6. Seasonal Rainfall Patterns and Flooding
(a) Shaded Area in Figure 2-A:
Likely receives most rainfall in the monsoon (summer) due to moist winds.
(b) Quetta vs. Peshawar Rainfall:
Quetta lies in the rain shadow of the mountains, receiving less rainfall than Peshawar.
(c) Causes and Effects of July Floods:
Heavy monsoon rains and melting snow cause river flooding.
(d) Flood Benefits:
Soil replenishment and water recharge for irrigation.
(e) Cotton Factory Impact:
Delays in raw material transport and production disruptions due to road/waterway blockages.
(f) Flooding and Economy:
Disrupts agriculture and transport; financial strain on rebuilding efforts.
(g) Measures to Minimize Flood Damage:
Construct levees, improve drainage systems, and implement early warning systems.
7. Monsoon Winds and Rainfall Distribution (Figure 2-B)
(a) Monsoon Wind Development:
During summer (July-September), high temperatures over the Indian subcontinent create a low-
pressure area. This attracts moist air from the Indian Ocean towards South Asia, resulting in
monsoon winds. The wind direction changes seasonally due to the differential heating between
land and sea.
Rainfall Distribution:
The heaviest rain falls in the eastern and northern parts of Pakistan due to the orographic effect,
where monsoon winds rise over mountain slopes (such as the Himalayas) and cool, causing
condensation and heavy rain. The southern regions, like Sindh and Baluchistan, receive much
less rainfall due to the rain-shadow effect and distance from the moisture source.
(b) Problems Caused by Storms and Heavy Rainfall:
Intense monsoon rains can lead to severe flooding, especially in the Indus River basin, impacting
agriculture, homes, infrastructure, and lives. Poor drainage in urban areas causes waterlogging,
affecting daily life and public health.
8. Desert Climate of Nok Kundi (Figure 2-C)
(i) Yearly Distribution of Temperature and Rainfall:
In desert climates, like that of Nok Kundi, temperatures are extremely high in summer and
cooler in winter. Rainfall is sparse and erratic, often below 100 mm annually, with little to no
precipitation for months.
(ii) Effects on Agriculture and Industry:
Limited water resources hinder agricultural activities, as crops cannot survive without irrigation.
Industries that rely on water, such as food processing, are also less feasible. The high
temperatures increase costs for cooling and require drought-resistant crop varieties.
9. Advantages and Disadvantages of Winter Rainfall in Northern Pakistan
Advantages:
Winter rains provide essential moisture for wheat and other winter crops, supporting
agriculture. They also recharge groundwater and supply rivers for irrigation.
Disadvantages:
Heavy winter rains and snowfall can cause landslides, road blockages, and damage to
infrastructure, affecting transportation and access to remote areas. They also make winters
harsher for communities with limited resources.
10. Influence of Climate vs. Topography on Agriculture in Northern Pakistan
Support for Statement A (Climate): The cold climate, short growing season, and extreme winters
limit the types of crops that can be cultivated. Even areas with arable land may remain unused
due to prolonged snowfall and frozen ground, as seen in high-altitude areas like Swat and
Chitral.
Support for Statement B (Topography): The mountainous terrain restricts the availability of flat,
arable land, making mechanized farming challenging and limiting irrigation. Terracing and small-
scale farming are common in places like Hunza Valley due to the steep slopes.
Conclusion: Both factors are significant, but topography could be seen as the greater limiting
factor because it restricts not only the types of crops grown but also the scale of agricultural
development.
