Question map
Which one of the following places of India experiences highest atmospheric pressure during winter?
Explanation
During the winter season, atmospheric pressure is inversely related to temperature; as air cools, it compresses and its pressure increases [2]. In India, a high-pressure area (anti-cyclone) develops over the northern part of the country due to intense cooling and the influence of the Siberian high-pressure system [3]. Leh, located in the high-altitude Trans-Himalayan region, experiences extremely low temperatures during winter, often far below freezing . This intense cold leads to the highest atmospheric pressure among the given options. While Jaisalmer and Guwahati also experience high pressure as part of the north Indian winter system, Leh's extreme continental location and higher latitude/altitude result in more significant cooling and higher pressure [3]. Conversely, southern cities like Chennai maintain lower pressure due to the moderating influence of the sea and higher temperatures .
Sources
- [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Atmospheric Pressure Cells > p. 304
- [1] CONTEMPORARY INDIA-I ,Geography, Class IX . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 4: Climate > Pressure and Winds > p. 28
- [3] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > 1. The Cold Weather Season > p. 17