Question

Which of the following accurately describe the spatial extent of Kerala?

1. South-north distance exceeds 600 km

2. Kerala's latitudinal spread lies entirely within the tropical zone

3. Kerala’s longitudinal spread determines its time zone difference from Gujarat

• A. 2 only
• B. 1 and 3 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 2 and 3 only

• Correct Answer: Option C - 2 and 3 only

• South-north distance exceeds 600 km - This is incorrect. Kerala has a north-south extent of approximately 560-580 km, not exceeding 600 km. Kerala extends from Manjeswar in Kasaragod district in the north to Parasala in Thiruvananthapuram district in the south.

• Kerala's latitudinal spread lies entirely within the tropical zone - This is correct. Kerala is located between 8°18' N and 12°48' N latitude, which places it entirely within the tropical zone (which extends from the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5°N to the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5°S).

• Kerala's longitudinal spread determines its time zone difference from Gujarat - This is correct. Kerala is located between 74°52' E and 77°24' E longitude, while Gujarat is further west in India. This longitudinal difference is why there is a time lag between these states, even though India follows a single time zone (IST). Solar noon occurs earlier in Kerala than in Gujarat due to this longitudinal difference.