📚 Part of: Indian Navy Operations And Bilateral Exercises Mcq Quiz

I am a latitude which covers part of Tripura, Mizoram, West Bengal etc in India. Who am I?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Correct Answer: D) Tropic of Cancer.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, State PSC Exams, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Tropic of Cancer is a significant latitude line that runs at approximately 23.5 degrees north of the equator. It marks the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead at noon. In India, this line passes through several states, including parts of Tripura, Mizoram, and West Bengal.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the Tropic of Cancer with the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Misunderstanding the geographical significance of latitudes and their impact on climate and seasons.
  • Incorrectly associating the Tropic of Cancer with the Equator or the Arctic Circle.
Explanation:

The Tropic of Cancer is a crucial latitude line in geography, running at approximately 23.5 degrees north of the equator. This line is significant because it marks the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead at noon, which occurs during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. The Tropic of Cancer is one of the five major circles of latitude on Earth, along with the Equator, the Tropic of Capricorn, the Arctic Circle, and the Antarctic Circle.

In the context of India, the Tropic of Cancer passes through several states, including parts of Tripura, Mizoram, and West Bengal. This line also runs through other Indian states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The passage of the Tropic of Cancer through these states has significant implications for the climate and seasons experienced in these regions. Areas near the Tropic of Cancer generally experience a tropical climate with high temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons.

Understanding the Tropic of Cancer is essential for comprehending the geographical and climatic characteristics of the regions it passes through. It is a key concept in Indian geography and is often tested in various competitive examinations such as the UPSC Civil Services, SSC CGL, and State PSC Exams. The Tropic of Cancer is also an important reference point for understanding the Earth's axial tilt and its impact on the distribution of sunlight across the globe.

In summary, the Tropic of Cancer is the correct answer as it is the latitude line that passes through parts of Tripura, Mizoram, and West Bengal in India, marking the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead at noon. This line plays a crucial role in determining the climate and seasons in the regions it passes through, making it a significant concept in Indian geography.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: The Equator is a latitude line that runs at 0 degrees and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It does not pass through the states mentioned in the question, making this option incorrect.
  • Option B: The Tropic of Capricorn is located at approximately 23.5 degrees south of the equator and is in the Southern Hemisphere. It does not pass through any part of India, making this option incorrect.
  • Option C: The Arctic Circle is located at approximately 66.5 degrees north of the equator and is in the Northern Hemisphere, far north of India. It does not pass through any part of India, making this option incorrect.
  • Option D: The Tropic of Cancer is the correct answer as it is the latitude line that passes through parts of Tripura, Mizoram, and West Bengal in India. This line is significant as it marks the northernmost point where the sun can be directly overhead at noon.

Mnemonic: Cancer Capricorn, Cancer North, Capricorn South

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