Editing Nainital (section)

==Geography==
=== Topography ===
The town of Nainital covers a total area of {{convert|11.73|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, and is located at {{Coord|29.38|N|79.45|E|}},<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/39/Naini_Tal.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc&nbsp;– Nainital]. Fallingrain.com.</ref> at an average elevation of {{convert|2084|m|ft}} above sea level. The slopes of the nearby mountains are most populated, with an altitude ranging from {{convert|1940|-|2100|m|abbr=on}}. The highest point nearby is the Naina Peak, with a height of {{convert|2619|m|abbr=on}}. The town is located in the [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]] [[foothills]] of the outer [[Himalayas]] at a distance of {{convert|285|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the state capital [[Dehradun]] and {{convert|345|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[New Delhi]], the capital of India.

[[File:The Boat and The Lake.jpg|left|thumb|Scenic view of the Nainital from Tallital, the lower end of the lake.]]
The town is set in a valley around the [[Nainital Lake]] - an eye-shaped lake, which is located at an altitude of {{convert|6350|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} from sea level. The lake is {{convert|1567|yd|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} long and {{convert|506|yd|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} wide, and is approximately two miles in circumference.<ref name="Pande 1993 32">{{harvnb|Pande|1993|p=32}}</ref> The bed of the lake is at a depth of {{convert|24.6|m|ft}},<ref>{{cite news |last=Jha |first=Prashant |date=11 February 2020 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/deepest-point-in-naini-lake-shrinks-by-over-2-8m-several-spots-from-where-drinking-water-is-supplied-to-nainital-unfit-for-aquatic-life-study/articleshow/74068461.cms |title=Deepest point in Naini Lake shrinks by over 2.8m; several spots from where drinking water is supplied to Nainital unfit for aquatic life: Study |work=The Times of India |access-date=27 March 2025}}</ref> the deepest point of the lake. The lake is deduced to have been formed [[tectonic]]ally. Balia Nala, which is the main stream feeding the lake is along a [[fault line]] and the subsequent streams align parallel to major [[joints]] and [[fault (geology)|faults]]. 26 major drains feed the lake including the 3 perennial drains.

Nainital is surrounded by the mountains of Ayarpata ({{convert|7689|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Devpata ({{convert|7989|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Handibandi ({{convert|7153|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Chini, ({{convert|8568|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Alma ({{convert|7980|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Lariya Kanta ({{convert|8144|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}) and Sher ka Danda ({{convert|7869|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}).<ref name="Pande 1993 32"/>

=== Geology ===
The [[Krol]] group of rocks, comprising [[slate]]s, [[marls]], [[sandstones]], [[limestones]] and [[dolomites]] with a few small dykes intrusives, is the dominant geological formation of Nainital's surroundings, although, [[Nodule (geology)|Nodules]], [[Lamination (geology)|laminae]] and [[Stringer (slag)|stringers]] of phosphatic material, followed upward by the purple-green shales intercalated with muddy fine-grained sandstone and siltstone; recognised as the Tal Formation; are also prevalent. The region has a complex geological framework; the rocks are fragile and newly formed. The town is completely located in the catchment area of the Nainital lake, which has highly folded and faulted rocks due to polyphase deformation.

[[Landslides]] are a frequent occurrence in the hill slopes surrounding the lake, which are steep. The slopes are highly vulnerable to landslides and mass movement due to various geological and human factors. The first known landslip occurred in Nainital in 1866 on Alma hill, and in 1879 there was a larger one at the same spot. The greatest landslide in Nainital occurred on 18 September 1880, on the slope which rising from the north of the flats ends at Alma peak, and resulted in 151 people being buried under the debris.<ref>{{harvnb|Murphy|1906|p=37}}</ref> Another heavy landslip occurred on 17 August 1898 outside the Nainital valley.<ref>{{harvnb|Murphy|1906|p=42}}</ref>

[[File:Naini Peak in Winters.jpg|thumb|Forest in Nainital after snowfall (2020)]]

=== Climate ===
Nainital experiences a [[subtropical highland climate]] (''Cwb'') according to [[Köppen–Geiger climate classification system]] as the town's climate is influenced by the elevation. The town is a bit dry during winter and very wet during summer due to [[Monsoon of South Asia|South Asian monsoon system]]. The lowest precipitation total occurs in November with total {{convert|7.9|mm}}, while the highest precipitation total occurs in July with total {{convert|725|mm}}. Like most places in [[temperate region]], Nainital has a relatively cool summer. The hottest month is July with temperature ranging from {{convert|16.4|C}} to {{convert|23.5|C}}, while the coldest month is January with temperature ranging from {{convert|1.7|C}} to {{convert|10.7|C}}. The highest temperature ever recorded in Nainital was {{convert|30|C}} recorded on 18 June 1972, while the lowest temperature was {{convert|-5.6|C}} recorded on 17 January 1953.<ref name= IMDextremes />

The [[Winter|winter season]] in Nainital commences by mid-November and lasts till mid-March. The temperature gradually declines from the month of November onwards and January is the coldest month. [[Frost]] and [[mist]] are common features in the months of December and January. Occasionally widespread rainfall also occurs due to [[Western Disturbance|western disturbance]], with snow occurring on peaks higher than 2000m. The winter rainfall is sometimes associated with cyclonic activities. The temperature, however, shows an increasing trend by the end of February or the first half of March. By mid-March, there is a progressive rise in temperature, which indicates the onset of the summer season. While days get slightly warmer; the nights continue to be cool. There is a constant increase in temperature during May and early June when the highest temperature is recorded. The months of March and April are also associated with the occurrence of [[hailstorms]], which brings a short spell of cold.

The onset of the summer in the hills is relatively earlier than the plains and is also very lengthy and humid. The mean temperature in July and August goes down and [[humidity]] rises abruptly during this season. The monsoon usually begins by mid-May when the rain strikes and continue until mid-October. Nainital, due to its proximity to the outermost high ranges of the Himalaya, receives high annual rainfall. Generally, by mid-September, the monsoon gets weakened and rain occurs generally after long intervals. With the retreat of the monsoon, the winds blow in a reverse direction. The weather during the post-monsoon months is characterised by bright skies. It is in fact a transition between the rains and the winters and with reduced rainfall, the monthly temperature records a progressive decline till mid-January.

{{Weather box
|location = Nainital (1961–1979, extremes 1953–1979)
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 18.4
| Feb record high C = 21.7
| Mar record high C = 24.6
| Apr record high C = 28.0
| May record high C = 29.6
| Jun record high C = 30.0
| Jul record high C = 26.1
| Aug record high C = 26.6
| Sep record high C = 24.6
| Oct record high C = 24.8
| Nov record high C = 21.4
| Dec record high C = 21.8
| year record high C = 30.0
| Jan high C = 10.9
| Feb high C = 11.9
| Mar high C = 16.1
| Apr high C = 20.7
| May high C = 23.2
| Jun high C = 23.4
| Jul high C = 21.7
| Aug high C = 21.0
| Sep high C = 20.5
| Oct high C = 18.8
| Nov high C = 15.3
| Dec high C = 12.8
|year high C =
|Jan mean C=6.3
|Feb mean C=7.6
|Mar mean C=11.7
|Apr mean C=16.2
|May mean C=18.7
|Jun mean C=19.8
|Jul mean C=19.0
|Aug mean C=18.5
|Sep mean C=17.1
|Oct mean C=14.2
|Nov mean C=10.5
|Dec mean C=7.8
| Jan low C = 1.7
| Feb low C = 3.3
| Mar low C = 7.3
| Apr low C = 11.8
| May low C = 14.3
| Jun low C = 16.2
| Jul low C = 16.3
| Aug low C = 16.0
| Sep low C = 13.7
| Oct low C = 9.7
| Nov low C = 5.8
| Dec low C = 2.9
| year low C =
| Jan record low C = -5.6
| Feb record low C = -4.3
| Mar record low C = -3.0
| Apr record low C = 0.0
| May record low C = 5.0
| Jun record low C = 10.0
| Jul record low C = 10.4
| Aug record low C = 9.6
| Sep record low C = 4.4
| Oct record low C = 0.5
| Nov record low C = -1.1
| Dec record low C = -4.4
| year record low C = -5.6
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 82.4
| Feb rain mm = 66.1
| Mar rain mm = 57.1
| Apr rain mm = 33.8
| May rain mm = 72.4
| Jun rain mm = 339.1
| Jul rain mm = 685.4
| Aug rain mm = 556.4
| Sep rain mm = 346.3
| Oct rain mm = 54.7
| Nov rain mm = 7.7
| Dec rain mm = 23.9
| year rain mm = 2305.3
| Jan rain days = 3.5
| Feb rain days = 3.9
| Mar rain days = 3.5
| Apr rain days = 2.8
| May rain days = 4.7
| Jun rain days = 12.8
| Jul rain days = 20.4
| Aug rain days = 19.8
| Sep rain days = 11.1
| Oct rain days = 2.8
| Nov rain days = 0.5
| Dec rain days = 1.4
| year rain days = 87.2
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 65
| Feb humidity = 60
| Mar humidity = 53
| Apr humidity = 49
| May humidity = 48
| Jun humidity = 66
| Jul humidity = 82
| Aug humidity = 84
| Sep humidity = 79
| Oct humidity = 65
| Nov humidity = 62
| Dec humidity = 59
|year humidity = 64
| source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200216160549/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Normals%20%281961-1990%29.pdf
| archive-date = 16 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Normals%20%281961-1990%29.pdf
| title = Station: Nainital Climatological Table 1961–1990
| work = Climatological Normals 1961–1990
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = July 2010
| pages = 581–582
| access-date = 31 March 2020
| url-status = live}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M227
| access-date = 31 March 2020}}</ref>
}}

=== Flora and fauna ===
The areas around Nainital (in the middle [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] ranges up to {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}}, a [[temperate zone]]), is rich in flora  (typical [[temperate climate]] plants) and fauna.<ref name=flora>{{Cite web|url=http://nainital.nic.in/flora.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407212245/http://nainital.nic.in/flora.htm|url-status=dead|title=Introduction, Horticulture, Medicinal flora, Animals and Fishes|archive-date=7 April 2008|access-date=29 January 2020}}</ref> The trees and bushes grown in the region (lake's basin) with their botanical and common Indian names (in parentheses) are: ''[[Quercus leucotrichophora]]'' [[Oak]] (Banj), ''[[Aesculus indica]]'' (Pangar or Horse chestnuts), ''[[Juglans regia]]'' (Akhrot or walnut), ''[[Populus ciliata]]'' (Hill Pipal, a sacred tree), ''[[Fraxinus|Fraxinus micrantha]]'' (Ash tree or Angu), ''[[Platanus orientalis]]'' (Chinar), ''[[Rubus lasiocarpus]]'' (Hisalu), ''[[Rosa moschata]]'' (Kunj or Musk rose), ''[[Berberis asiatica]]'' (Kilmora), ''[[Cupressus torulosa]]'' (Surai or [[Himalayan cypress]]), ''[[Rhododendron arboreum]]'' (Buruns), ''[[Cedrus deodara]]'' (Deodar), ''Salix acmophylla''  ([[Salix babylonica#Horticultural selections and related hybrids|Weeping Willow]]), and ''[[Pinus]]'' (Pine).<ref name = flora/>

Several species of medicinal flora and horticulture plants have also been found in the lake. The Aquatic Macrophytic vegetation include ''[[Potamogeton pectinatus]]'', ''Potamogeton crispus'', ''Polygonum glabrum'', ''Polygonum amphibium'' and ''[[Polygonum hydropiper]]'' ([[Water pepper]]).<ref name = flora/> The fishes found in the lake are generally [[carps]] [[Mahseer]], and the [[mirror carp]] which breed several times during one spawning season during May to September. Two species of Mahaseer fish viz., Tor tor: The red finned [[mahseer]] and the ''[[Tor putitora]]'': The yellow finned [[mahseer]], a food fish which grows to varying sizes from 20 to 60&nbsp;cm (7.87 to 23.62&nbsp;inches) are found. Three species of Hill Trout are found in the lake: the ''Schizothorax sinuatus'', ''Schizothorax richardsoni'' and ''Schizothorax plagiostornus''. The imported fish bred in the lake is Mirror carp or ''[[Cyprinus carpio]]''.<ref name = flora/> ''[[Gambusia affinis]]'' also called Mosquitofish has been introduced in the lake as a biocontrol measure to control [[Mosquito]] [[larva]]e.<ref name = flora/>