Climatic Zones of India According to Koppen and Thornthwaite

India’s diverse climate can be categorized using two major classification systems: Koppen and Thornthwaite. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Koppen Climate Classification

• Tropical Rainforest Climate (Af):
  • Location: Western Ghats, Northeast India
  • Characteristics: High humidity, consistent rainfall throughout the year.
• Tropical Monsoon Climate (Am):
  • Location: Most of India, especially the eastern and western coastal regions.
  • Characteristics: Heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, dry rest of the year.
• Desert Climate (BWh):
  • Location: Thar Desert in Rajasthan.
  • Characteristics: Extremely low rainfall, high temperatures during summer.
• Temperate Climate (Cw):
  • Location: Parts of Northern India, including Punjab and Haryana.
  • Characteristics: Distinct seasons with a rainy summer.
• Highland Climate (H):
  • Location: Himalayan regions.
  • Characteristics: Variable climate, cool temperatures, and significant snowfall.

2. Thornthwaite Climate Classification

• Moist Subtropical Climate:
  • Location: Coastal areas of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
  • Characteristics: High rainfall, warm temperatures.
• Semi-Arid Climate:
  • Location: Western Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat.
  • Characteristics: Moderate rainfall, high evaporation rates.

These classifications help in understanding the agricultural patterns, vegetation, and human activities in various regions of India.