📚 Part of: West Bengal Agriculture And Culture Mcqs

Which of the following cities lies to the south of the Tropic of Cancer?

Category: West Bengal Gk

Correct Answer: D) Kolkata, West Bengal.

Exam Relevance: West Bengal Civil Service, UPSC, Geography Olympiad

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes:

The Tropic of Cancer is a significant line of latitude 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. Cities located south of this line experience different climatic conditions compared to those to the north.

Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing the Tropic of Cancer with the Tropic of Capricorn.
  • Misunderstanding the geographical location of Indian cities.
  • Not knowing the exact latitude of the Tropic of Cancer.
Explanation:

The Tropic of Cancer is a significant line of latitude 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. This line divides the Earth into two regions: the tropics and the temperate zones. Cities located south of the Tropic of Cancer experience different climatic conditions compared to those to the north, including more moderate temperatures and different rainfall patterns.

In the context of Indian geography, the Tropic of Cancer passes through several states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. However, the city of Kolkata, located in West Bengal, is situated south of this line. This means that Kolkata experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and significant rainfall, especially during the monsoon season.

To understand the geographical location of these cities, it is important to consider their latitudinal positions. Guna, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Jaipur, Rajasthan, are all located north of the Tropic of Cancer. These cities experience a more temperate climate with distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. In contrast, Kolkata, being south of the Tropic of Cancer, has a more tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year and significant rainfall during the monsoon season.

The latitudinal position of a city is crucial in determining its climate and weather patterns. Cities located south of the Tropic of Cancer generally have a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall, while those to the north experience more temperate conditions with distinct seasons. Understanding these geographical and climatic differences is essential for comprehending the diverse environmental conditions across India.

In conclusion, the correct answer to the question is Kolkata, West Bengal, as it is the only city among the options that is located south of the Tropic of Cancer. This geographical position significantly influences the city's climate and weather patterns, making it distinct from the other cities mentioned in the options.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Guna, Madhya Pradesh is located north of the Tropic of Cancer. This city is situated at a latitude that places it in the northern part of India, making it incorrect for the question. Students might mistakenly choose this option if they are not familiar with the exact latitudinal positions of Indian cities.
  • Option B: Delhi is also located north of the Tropic of Cancer. It is a major city in northern India and lies at a latitude that is well above the Tropic of Cancer. This option is incorrect because it does not meet the criteria of being south of the Tropic of Cancer.
  • Option C: Jaipur, Rajasthan is another city located north of the Tropic of Cancer. It is situated in the northwestern part of India, which places it in a region that is above the Tropic of Cancer. This option is incorrect for the same reason as the previous two options.
  • Option D: Kolkata, West Bengal is the correct answer because it is located south of the Tropic of Cancer. Kolkata is situated at a latitude that places it in the southern part of India, making it the only city among the options that meets the criteria of being south of the Tropic of Cancer.

Mnemonic: Remember: "Kolkata is below the Tropic of Cancer, like a southern city in India."

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