Question

Consider the following statements
1. Western Ghats in Karnataka receive more rainfall than Maharashtra and Kerala,during Monsoon.
2. The Eastern coast receives more rainfall than western coast.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

• A. a) Only 1
  
• B. b) Only 2
  
• C. c) Both
  
• D. d) None
  

Answer 1

The correct option is A a) Only 1


Answer-a
In a recent study of rainfall trends using remotely sensed satellite data and actual field data from the Indian Meteorological Department of the Western Ghats region over the past 14 years, it was found that during the monsoon months of June, July, August, September, the average rainfall was more over Karnataka than Maharashtra and Kerala.
First, the mountain topography in Karnataka is broader than the narrow topography of the Ghats in Maharashtra. Due to the greater width of the mountains, the rain bearing winds have to necessarily travel a longer distance and have more time for the drops to coalesce and precipitate as rainfall, resulting in higher rainfall.
Second, the slope of the mountain has a direct bearing on the possibility of precipitation. This is borne out by the Ghats of Karnataka where the mountains are gently sloping, compared to the steep slopes of the Ghats in Maharashtra and Kerala.
Third, the gentle slope provides a greater area for sunlight absorption and heating leading to greater convection when compared with an abrupt slope i.e. less Ghat area such as that of the Maharashtra and Kerala Ghats.
Fourth, the continuous mountain range presents a greater barrier to rain-bearing winds than a range comprising isolated mountains with gaps in between where the winds can easily pass to the leeward side.

The western coastal plain lies on the windward side of the south west monsoon winds . thus bringing orographic rainfall to it