Explanations:The range of temperature in a city is a measure of the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures recorded over a specific period, typically a day. This range is influenced by several factors, including geographical location, climate type, and urban characteristics.
Geographical location plays a significant role in determining temperature ranges. Coastal cities, such as Mumbai and Chennai, are influenced by the sea, which has a moderating effect on temperatures. The sea absorbs and releases heat more slowly than land, leading to smaller temperature variations between day and night. This is why coastal cities generally have a smaller range of temperatures compared to inland cities.
Climate type is another important factor. Cities with continental or desert climates, such as Delhi, experience more extreme temperature variations. Delhi, located in the northern part of India, has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can soar to over 40°C during the day and drop significantly at night, leading to a large temperature range. Similarly, during the winter, temperatures can drop to near freezing at night, while daytime temperatures may be much warmer. This results in a significant diurnal temperature range.
Urban characteristics, such as the urban heat island effect, can also influence temperature ranges. Large cities with extensive urban development, such as Delhi, can experience higher temperatures during the day due to the concentration of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure that absorb and retain heat. This can lead to higher daytime temperatures and, consequently, a larger temperature range.
Calcutta (Kolkata), like Mumbai and Chennai, is a coastal city and experiences a similar moderating effect from the sea. The Bay of Bengal influences the climate, leading to a smaller temperature range compared to inland cities like Delhi.
Therefore, among the given options, Delhi is the city that will have the highest range of temperature due to its geographical location, climate type, and urban characteristics.