Southern India became wetter over seven decades as hot semi-arid areas nearly halved
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims + Mains·
Climatic transition and moisture patterns: a GS3 agriculture and geography case study.
Why in news
Scientists from IMD and IITM Pune reported that southern India has become wetter over seven decades, with hot semi-arid areas nearly halving as they transitioned into tropical savannah zones.
Background
A study in the journal MAUSAM found that hot semi-arid areas in southern India decreased from 30% (1951-1980) to 16% (1991-2020).
Facts for Prelims
- BodyIndia Meteorological Department (IMD) and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) conducted the study.
- PlaceThe study focuses on the climatic transition of southern India.
- FactHot semi-arid areas in southern India decreased from 30% to 16% between the 1951-1980 and 1991-2020 periods.
- EnvironmentThe study identifies a transition from hot semi-arid areas to tropical savannah zones.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the climatic transition in southern India, consider the following statements:
- The study found that southern India became drier over the last seven decades.
- Hot semi-arid areas transitioned into tropical savannah zones.
- Hot semi-arid areas in southern India decreased from 30% to 16% between the 1951-1980 and 1991-2020 periods.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)2 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The study found that southern India became wetter over seven decades.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how shifting climatic zones in southern India, driven by changing moisture patterns, necessitate a revision of traditional agricultural planning and crop selection.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Agricultural adaptation: Need for climate-resilient crop varieties suited for tropical savannah zones
- Hydrological planning: Managing increased moisture levels and altered rainfall patterns in semi-arid regions
Keywords: Climatic transition · Tropical savannah · Agricultural planning · Semi-arid zones · Moisture patterns
More Agriculture notes
- Tamil Nadu issues guidelines for rainwater harvesting and desilting check dams · 3 November 2026
- Desi Seed Producers Company Limited to receive ₹10 lakh Plant Genome Saviour award · 3 November 2026
- Cyclone Arnab causes ₹4,526 crore losses as AP government considers wind-resistant electricity poles · 3 November 2026
- KVASU proposes 10-year roadmap to manage 4.5 lakh street dogs via adoption · 3 November 2026
- Maharashtra government approves ₹291.91 crore for farmers hit by heavy rainfall · 3 November 2026
- Telangana officials directed to sanction 2,000 Indiramma houses per constituency within one week · 3 November 2026
Something wrong, or something missing?
Spotted a mistake in a note, or want a topic, format or PDF that would help your preparation? Write to us. We read every mail and fix errors fast.
This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.