Directions: Read the Assertion (A) and Reason (R) carefully and choose the correct alternative. Assertion (A): Shimla is colder than Delhi for most of the year. Reason (R): Shimla is located at a much higher altitude in the Himalayas as compared to Delhi, which is in the plains.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests basic concepts in physical geography and climatology, especially how altitude affects temperature. Shimla is a famous hill station in the Himalayan region, while Delhi is a large city located in the northern plains of India. The question asks whether the given Reason about altitude correctly explains why Shimla is colder than Delhi. Such questions are common in school level geography and general awareness sections of competitive exams.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Shimla is a hill town located at a high altitude in the Himalayan foothills.
• Delhi is located in the northern plains of India with a much lower elevation.
• Assertion (A) states that Shimla is colder than Delhi.
• Reason (R) states that Shimla is at a higher altitude compared to Delhi.
• We use the standard lapse rate concept, which states that temperature generally decreases with increasing altitude.

Concept / Approach:
Temperature variation with altitude is a fundamental concept. In the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where weather occurs, temperature usually decreases as altitude increases. This is called the normal lapse rate and is roughly 6.5 degrees Celsius per 1000 meters of height gain. Hill stations at higher altitudes therefore remain cooler than low lying plains at similar latitudes. To solve the question, we must check if both the Assertion and Reason are factually correct, and then see whether the Reason provides a proper scientific explanation for the Assertion.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Shimla is situated at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level, whereas Delhi is close to sea level elevation in the plains. Step 2: Observationally and from weather records, Shimla has a cooler climate with mild summers and cold winters, while Delhi experiences very hot summers and cooler winters, so Assertion (A) is true. Step 3: Reason (R) says Shimla is at a higher altitude compared to Delhi. This is also true as per geographic data, because hill towns are elevated relative to nearby plains. Step 4: According to the lapse rate, air temperature normally falls as altitude increases. So locations at higher elevations tend to be colder than locations at lower elevations at the same latitude and under similar conditions. Step 5: Therefore, the higher altitude of Shimla provides a direct and correct explanation for why Shimla is colder than Delhi.

Verification / Alternative check:
Weather charts and climate graphs for both cities clearly show lower average temperatures in Shimla throughout the year. Geography textbooks specifically use hill stations like Shimla and Ooty as examples to illustrate how altitude lowers temperature. This confirms that the Reason is not only true but is also the scientific cause behind the cooler climate mentioned in the Assertion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Any option claiming that Assertion (A) is false is incorrect because the temperature difference is well known and documented. Options suggesting that Reason (R) does not explain Assertion (A) are also wrong because the altitude effect is the main cause of the cooler climate in hill stations at the same latitude. The option saying both are false is clearly inconsistent with real world observations.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to think that only latitude decides temperature, ignoring altitude. Another mistake is to confuse the effect of forests or vegetation with elevation. While vegetation can influence micro climate, altitude remains the primary cause for the general coolness of places like Shimla relative to Delhi.

Final Answer:
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A), so the correct option is Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) correctly explains Assertion (A).