Monsoon Barrier: Western Ghats Function
The southwest monsoon winds, originating from the Arabian Sea, bring significant moisture to India. When these moisture-laden winds encounter a major mountain range, they are forced to ascend.
As the winds rise, the air cools, causing water vapor to condense and precipitate. This results in heavy rainfall on the side of the mountain facing the incoming winds (the windward side).
The Western Ghats, a prominent mountain range running parallel to India's western coast, act as a significant physical barrier to the southwest monsoon winds.
- The winds strike the western slopes of the Western Ghats, leading to extensive orographic rainfall in the coastal regions.
- Conversely, the leeward side (eastern slopes) lies in the rain shadow zone. This area receives significantly less rainfall, leading to dry conditions in the interior peninsula.
The other ranges mentioned (Aravalli, Satpura, Vindhya) do not create the same pronounced effect of blocking the primary southwest monsoon flow and causing such a distinct rainfall contrast across a large geographical area.
Therefore, the Western Ghats serve as the barrier responsible for this phenomenon.
Similar Questions
- Western disturbances mainly affect the weather of which region in India?
- The pre-monsoon showers which are a common phenomenon in Kerala and the coastal areas of Karnataka are locally known as _______.
Which type of climate characterises the Great Indian Desert?
Which of the following wind systems is primarily responsible for the rainfall over the Coromandel coast during the winter season?
Which season in India is characterised by hot, dry winds known as 'Loo'?
Which branch of the monsoon brings rainfall to India's Western Coast?
Which of the following is NOT included in the four official meteorological seasons of India?
Which physical process creates the seasonal pressure difference between the Indian subcontinent and surrounding oceans that initiates the summer monsoon winds?
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Important Questions from Indian Climate
According to Koppen's climatic classifications, the Great Northern Plains of India have which one of the following climates?
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, which of the following is/are the feature/features of cloudburst?
1. Heavy precipitation in short period of time in a limited geographical area
2. It occurs generally during monsoon period and triggers flash flood and landslides
Select the correct answer using the code given below.Which of the following are correct with regard to Indian Monsoonal Rainfall?
1. Largely governed by the topographical features
2. Regional and seasonal variation in the distribution of rainfall
3. Heavy downpour resulting in considerable runoff
4. Beginning and end of rain is regular and on time
Select the correct answer using the code given below:Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List I ( Type of climate )
List II ( State )
A. Monsoon with Short Dry Season (Amw)
1. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
B. Cold Humid Winter with Short Summer (Dfc)
2. Tamil Nadu Coast
C. Monsoon with Dry Winter (Cwg)
3. Arunachal Pradesh
D. Monsoon with Dry Summer (As)
4. Kerala and Karnataka Coast
In India, maximum amount of rainfall is received from
