Unravelling the Subcontinental Climate and Geology

Growing up, I first encountered the term subcontinent in my geography class when we discussed India. Back then, I understood it in a very basic sense: India was a portion of Asia, resting on its own distinct tectonic plate. Little did I know that this idea of a subcontinent—rooted in geology—would become a focal point in my understanding of climate and geography.

Over time, I learned that the Indian subcontinent is not just a random subsection of Asia. Its identity dates to a geological journey: once part of the supercontinent Gondwana, the landmass drifted across oceans and collided with the Eurasian Plate, giving rise to the Great Himalayas. Climate and geology are intricately linked, yet it’s easy to overlook how profoundly they influence our surroundings. It never ceases to amaze me that even within a single country, climate conditions can span such extremes. Many nations exhibit this kind of variation, but climate change—like a silent undercurrent—reminds us of the importance of understanding these differences from more than one vantage point.

This winter, for instance, experts predicted a milder influence from La Niña, yet India has largely experienced an unusually warm season. Meanwhile, high in the mountains of Ladakh, the cold maintains its firm grip, with minimum temperatures plunging between -16°C and -20°C. For the hardy communities of Changthang, layering themselves in heavier winter clothing remains a daily practice in the fight against hypothermia, even as people in other regions fold away their winter wear.

Such stark regional contrasts underscore the subcontinental nature of India’s climate. Far from being a uniform space, the country is a tapestry of microclimates, each with its own rhythms and vulnerabilities. Anticipatory action plan for the chilly high-altitude regions like Changthang is rolling out amid icy winds, while preparations for the upcoming heat season are simultaneously gathering momentum. Each corner of the country faces its own climatic challenges, from arid deserts to humid coastlines, from dense forests to icy highlands.

Addressing these challenges demands both a macro and micro perspective. On a large scale, there is an urgent call to comprehend the compound effects of climate change—ever-sharpening extremes of heat and cold, shifts in rainfall patterns, and the resultant hazards they bring. Locally, we must focus on immediate solutions that shield vulnerable populations from the brunt of these changes. By understanding how climate hazards intermix with socioeconomic and cultural factors, we can craft strategies that are both adaptable and compassionate.

It is this ongoing interplay—between ancient tectonic collisions, modern-day weather extremes, and human resilience—that brings the concept of India’s subcontinental identity vividly to life. This identity is woven into the lands of Ladakh, the warm plains, the coastal stretches, and every unique region in between. By acknowledging each distinctive climate thread, we must stand better equipped to navigate the challenges looming on the horizon, uniting a diverse nation in the face of change.

Research Associate